The experience of owning a pet can enrich a child’s life immeasurably. An animal can teach a child many valuable life lessons and, as studies now show, can foster emotional, cognitive, social, and physical development.
Nowadays, we are more aware than ever of how life’s external stressors can affect us. The comfort of a pet can help provide a wholesome focus and a centre upon which to channel our attention.
Let’s explore the many tremendous benefits of our children owning a pet.
Ease Stress
Most pets, especially dogs, will never decline an offer of affection! For many children, their pet is their go-to for comfort in times of stress, sadness or when they require some downtime. Cuddles with a furry friend are not only calming but support the production of the body’s feel-good hormones, serotonin and dopamine. These hormones help to prevent the onset of anxious feelings and support our overall wellbeing.
Boost Immunity
Studies have shown that children born into a home where there is already a pet will develop higher levels of gut microbes, making them less likely to fall victim to the onset of allergies. These children are also found to be less reactive to allergens like dust and grasses overall.
Encourage Activity
Dogs and children require regular exercise to keep those explosive energy levels in check! Having a dog or any active pet requires a level of commitment to some daily activity. There are so many games and activities for dog owners that provide equal enjoyment and satisfaction for both child and pet.
Teach Responsibility and Encourage Nurturing
The one thing about pet ownership is the non-negotiable responsibilities that come with owning them. They need to be fed, watered, and in some cases exercised; this provides an excellent platform from which to teach our children the value of responsibility.
Pet ownership is a special way of encouraging nurturing within boys. Generally speaking, it is more common for girls to have dolls and be drawn toward babies, both of which present opportunities for them to explore the idea of caring for something other than themselves. For those boys who have little interest in both, pet ownership provides the perfect space for them to tap into the nurturer inside them.
Improve Literacy
Reading to a pet can be a fantastic way to build confidence in those children who struggle with literacy. Children are more likely to attempt difficult words when reading to a pet and be less concerned with making mistakes. After all, who is their illiterate pet to judge?
Life Lessons
Birth, death, reproduction, illness and accidents are all a fact of life. Pet ownership can provide children with this lesson at a young age. Where adults can attach fear to sickness and death, the experience of a pet becoming ill or dying can give children the opportunity to explore their feelings about death and disease without the adult filter.
The experience of owning a pet that gives birth can be fascinating and meaningful, not to mention a perfect way to open up a healthy, age-appropriate discussion about the science of it all.
For children growing up in this fast-developing and busy world, the love of a pet can be a constant and dependable source of companionship that anchors them in a space where love is unconditional and simplicity reigns! The world is an uncertain place these days, so this sounds like the perfect space for them to ponder, process, and grow.