5 minute read
Pets
IMPACT ON KIDS
BY HAILEY LAWSON
KIDS LOVE PETS! They are a big part of many children’s lives— part of many children’s lives— offering children a special kind of companionship. Animals love unconditionally and are always ready to unconditionally and are always ready to love and listen to a child without judg-love and listen to a child without judg ment. Additionally, a child who learns ment. Additionally, a child who learns to care for a pet with kindness and pa-to care for a pet with kindness and pa tience will often gain invaluable expe tience will often gain invaluable experience in how to treat people the same way. In fact, many studies have shown way. In fact, many studies have shown that pet ownership can help kids de that pet ownership can help kids develop important social and emotional skills as well as help decrease stress. It’s skills as well as help decrease stress. It’s surprising the number of ways a pet can positively impact a child’s life. The extra positively impact a child’s life. The extra love and affection from a pet can result in several benefits.
Here are ways your child might benefit from having a pet to care for and love!
Higher Self-Esteem: Caring for a pet helps children improve their self-esteem. Owning a pet requires a lot of work, and a child develops a sense of accomplishment that comes with taking care of a pet. Taking care of a pet also helps them build a sense of independence—especially when your child is old enough to handle responsibilities on their own. Additionally, taking care
of a pet can give them a sense of purpose and help them see themselves in a positive way. Ultimately, the relationship with their pet helps build a belief in teem. Owning a pet requires a lot of themselves as well as develop their social and emotional skills.
accomplishment that comes with tak ing care of a pet. Taking care of a pet also helps them build a sense of inde is old enough to handle responsibilities of a pet can give them a sense of pur
More Compassionate: Children who own pets are more empathetic towards others. Pets are dependent on people to take care of them; they cannot get their own food or refill their water. Pets also rely on their owners for play and exercise. This dependence of pets often stimulates empathy and compassion in children. Pets are a great way for kids to look outside of themselves and think about what it might be like to be in someone else’s shoes, even if that someone is a pet. Feeling of Support and Acceptance: A pet can promote a child’s feeling of social support and make a child feel accepted, whereas another person might make them feel judged or criticized. With a pet, there is no fear of judgment or rejection. Children know that their pets love them unconditionally. Their pet doesn’t care how popular they are, how they look, or the clothes they’re wearing. Their pet loves them exactly as they are! Better Cognitive Skills: Kids who talk to their pets show improved cognitive development. Learning to read is not an easy task for many kids—especially for reluctant readers. Often reading is filled with a sense of anxiety for a child. They worry about pronouncing words correctly. However, if you ask a child to read to a pet, some of that stress seems to disappear. Kids get excited about reading to their pets because it doesn’t feel like homework. Often you will find that a child will show their pets the book’s illustrations and talk to them about the story. Less Stress and Happier: Petting a dog has been shown to lower cortisol levels in both people and their pets. We all know that life can be stressful—especially for teens. Challenges at school and friendship struggles are just some of the issues that young people deal with daily. However, a pet can help reduce this stress. Petting and playing with a pet decreases the stress hormone cortisol while increasing the release of feel-good hormones dopamine and serotonin. Healthier Life: Pets keep children active and get them outside more—especially a dog. Pets help active kids burn off extra energy and get sedentary kids up and going. Taking a dog for a walk is a great way to fit daily exercise into your child’s life. Also, it will help strengthen the bond between your child and their pet. Teaches Responsibility: Feeding time is a great way to involve kids in caring for their pets. Have your child help prepare the pet’s meal. Also, have your child use some of their allowance money toward paying for pet food or other necessities. Every parent knows that teaching responsibility to children is not easy, but owning a pet is a great motivator because children realize that their pet depends on them to take care of them. Whether cleaning the cat’s litter box, walking the dog, or cleaning a bird cage, owning a pet provides a great opportunity to teach kids responsibility. The lessons they learn while taking care of a pet will prove invaluable later in life.
Before bringing a pet home, accept that you, as the parent, ultimately are responsible for its care. It’s your job to teach your child by example and ensure that your pet receives everything it needs. Children learn by watching their parents, so your child needs to see you caring for and spending time with the pet. Reminding your child to take care of their pet is important but teaching through example will go much further over time.
