How Kids Benefit By Having Pets
Children are always excited about getting a pet. A tour around children’s room will remind you how much they love animals – most of the cartoons, books and comics are full of furry creatures accompanying their favorite heroes. But that is not the only reason why you should consider getting a pet for your children. There is more to having a pet than just fun. Adding a furry friend to your household has a wide-ranging benefits for your children as well. Here is how they can benefit from animal presence in their home.
Scroll through to see how pets help child development.
1. Pets Encourage Nurturing
Many studies have shown that pets influence our ability to care for others. Having a pet is a great opportunity for children to take care for other living things, especially for single children. One of the studies has also shown that taking care of animals is important for boys, because it is not seen as “girly” as babysitting or playing with dolls. When it comes to pet care, both boys and girls like to be involved as much as they can.
[tps_title]
[/tps_title]
2. Pets Keep Children Healthy
Children who spend more time with pets are also less likely to develop allergies. This happens due to their early exposure to the bacteria that develops allergies. Still, there are many children who are genuinely allergic to pets, so make sure you check that out before you decide to get one. A 2012 study also shown that children who have pets have fewer respiratory problems and ear infections. Taking care of a pet can also help reduce your children’s stress level.
[tps_title]
[/tps_title]
3. Pets Boost Self-esteem
It has also been proven that children who grow up with pets tend to have higher self-esteem. This happens because they have someone, a small furry, who they love and who loves them back. A pet is also there for them when there is no one around to play with. Once your children start school, it will easier for them to socialize with other children if they spent a lot of time playing with their pet.
[tps_title]
[/tps_title]
4. Pets Help Children Learn Responsibility
Taking care of a pet is also a great way to teach your children responsibility and help them get more independent. Having a pet means there are many chores that have to be taken care of. Get all the pet supplies you need and divide the chores between you and your children. As they grow older, the children can take upon more and more chores and become more independent. Make sure they see it as a way of having fun rather than something that has to be done.
[tps_title]
[/tps_title]
5. Pets Build Family Bonds
Another great benefit of having a pet is that it helps with keeping the family close. Children consider their pets a part of the family and are very keen on doing family activities focused around the pet. Children love taking dogs for a walk or grooming them together with other family members. There is also something meaningful in watching a cat chase its own tail or cleaning a fish tank. In the era of overscheduled parents and children who are stuck in front of the screen, getting a pet is a great way for a family to grow closer and stronger.
As seen above, having a pet has many benefits for your children. Under appropriate supervision, having a pet will make your children happy and help them develop as well.