Pets can be really good for children. Whichever pet you choose they will be a good friend to your child whenever they need it and they can also teach them a lot about life in general. Whether you already have a pet or are considering buying your first pet, read on to discover how children can benefit from growing up with pets.
A Pet can Teach a Child that he doesn’t have to take his Anger or Fear out on others
Your pet will love you and your child unconditionally. Not only that but caring for a pet can increase levels of oxytocin for your child, a hormone normally present when social bonding occurs. This all means that they can turn to your pet for judgment-free comfort in times of need, giving them a safe place to work out any anger or issues relating to fear. This will prevent them from taking these emotions out on others.
A Pet can Teach Empathy
When you have a pet in the home, there is someone else for your child to think about. They have to consider if they are meeting the needs of your pet and they have to learn to read the pet to work out what their needs might be. All in all, this is teaching them to empathize with others and to recognize that it is not simply their own needs that need to be taken care of. There are plenty of ideas on my blog in regard to making sure your pet’s needs are met, such as my post on protecting them.
A Pet can Teach Confidence and Responsibility
Having your child help you look after a pet can help to increase their confidence because they are doing something good that has a positive result for their pet. It can also foster a sense of responsibility in them. Fish are an excellent pet to start with if your children are young because the demands are not too onerous. They just need cleaning out once in a while and feeding twice a day and you can even use a fish feeder to make life easier.
Animals can help Socialize Children and Increase Verbal Skills
In your pet, your child will have someone who will never grow tired of their nattering, which can be extremely beneficial when it comes to increasing their verbal skills. They have someone they can practice with whenever they want. We all talk to our pets, apparently, it’s a sign of our intelligence, so a pet provides the perfect practice tool for your child’s socialization needs.
Pets can be very Therapeutic for Children
It is the unconditional nature of the bond between us and animals that can help relax even the most stressed out child. Animals love us for who we are, no matter what quirks or traits we possess. There have been plenty of cases where children with forms of autism have benefited just from being around an animal or instances of pets reducing levels of stress and anxiety in children who are having a difficult time. They are the ultimate best friend because their love is unconditional and free from judgment.
I have had pets all my life. It teaches a child all this and more. Pets are a great way for a child to learn how to be responsible also! Nice post!