Young children love learning about animals and watching them. They might try to pet a stray kitten or a puppy and even take one home. Pets offer more than companionship and comfort to children. Here are some benefits of growing up with a pet.
1. Pets provide comfort.
A pet can be your child’s best friend and protector. Children who own pets often turn to their animal friends for support when they feel sad, angry, or afraid. They make the best confidante for children to share their secrets and private thoughts.
2. Pets make great playmates.
Children love playing with pets. An animal companion for your child would save you from the troubles of arranging a playdate within short notice.
Hayley Christian, et.al. (2022) found in their research that on an average children in the age group of 2 to 5 years in families that owned a dog were more active and had less screen time as compared to families without a pet.
In their study, the researchers also noted that children without siblings can find great playmates in their pets as pets are often treated as surrogate siblings.
3. Pets teach responsibility.
When raising a pet, a child learns about the necessities for living, such as food, water, and hygiene. Duties like taking the dog out for a walk, feeding the cat, or cleaning the rabbit cage give them a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. It will help them develop responsible behavior and empathy towards others.
4. Pets help in the development of social skills.
When children socialize, one of the popular ice-breaking topics is pets. A shared interest and love for animal friends at home help them engage in lively conversations with peers.
5. Pets help to improve family bonds.
A pet brings the family closer as the members start sharing duties and take turns looking after the new member. Cuddling and playing with fur babies reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Little things like teaching tricks to a dog and watching a cat play with a toy together bring happiness and create a positive environment at home.
6. Pets encourage compassion and nurturing.
Children learn from their parents. When you treat animals kindly, they watch and learn to do the same. It is important to observe how a child plays with the puppy. Are they rough or gentle? Be quick to correct them if they show any aggressive behavior towards an animal. Another important lesson that a kid learns by watching their parents look after a pet is nurturing. They start understanding the importance of caring for others.
7. Pets boost self-esteem.
Living with pets comes with emotional health benefits. Animals offer unconditional love, trust, and support. Children who form a strong bond with a pet have high self-esteem and are less anxious. If your child is struggling with self-confidence, a pet will help them step out of their comfort zone and be willing to interact with others.
8. Pets keep your children healthy.
Research shows that children who grow up in a household with pets tend to be more resistant to colds and common allergies than those with no exposure to animals at home. In addition, they have a lower risk of developing asthma. Living with pets strengthens their immune system. Kids understand the importance of exercise when they have pets. It promotes a healthy lifestyle like going out for walks regularly and playing with their dogs outdoors instead of gaming in their room.
9. Pets assist in learning.
Kids can enhance their reading skills with the help of their pets. They find it more comfortable and less stressful to read in front of their four-pawed friends than anyone. Developmentally-challenged children learn better in the presence of therapy dogs.
10. Pets teach valuable life lessons.
A child learns about concepts like reproduction, birth, and death when they become a pet owner. They also learn to cope with loss and change.
Recommended reading: What to Do When Your Child Loses a Pet
Recommended reading: When Your Children Want a Dog But You’re Overwhelmed: Finding the Right Balance
Every child deserves a fur friend that teaches them responsibility, trust, and love. If your kid has been asking for a pet, given the benefits of growing up with a pet, maybe it is time to add a wonderful fuzzy member to the family.
