Pets and children have a unique and comforting relationship, and it will change a child’s development and life. According to PhD, Gail F. Melson, professor emeritus of development studies at Purdue University, research has shown that there are approximately 4 out of 10 children who begin their lives in a family with domestic animals and 90% of children had or are living with a pet in their childhood.
They Are Family
Dr Christina Brown is a social-personality scientist and professor at Arcadia University. She stated that pets don’t just provide companionship, but they also offer as much support as a sibling and a close friend. Pet owners see them as a part of a family even if others don’t view it that way. Dr Brown also stated that if we feel lonely, we just have to think about them and it will make us feel better.
Benefits of adding a pet to your family
1. Pets can teach you sympathy
Caring for a pet teaches you how to sympathise not only for animals but human too. You and your child will end up reading your pet’s needs. Is it not feeling well? Hungry? Does it need to go play? Maybe he’s scared, maybe he needs a more comfortable place to sleep in. All in all, empathy is a skill that can be taught and bullies are often lacking sympathy.
2. Pets are THERAPEUTIC
Do you know that pets are therapeutic? Have you ever wondered why cats purr? Let me tell you why. Pets help us improve our self-esteem, social skills, makes us happier, lessens our depression, improve our outlook on life, reduce loneliness, anxiety, boredom and also teaches us empathy, and they also help calm us down. Cats purr to make us happy, it is beneficial in two ways, for us and for them too. Stroking your pets enables you to lower your blood pressure and stress level, and them purring also helps them heal.
3. Pets give unconditional love
Pets aren’t like human beings. They are not judgemental. A pet is someone you can talk to, especially for your child. They are a companion for lonely children, stressful children, unhappy children or even only child. A pet can comfort, listens and give support to them without judging them. They are always there to give you hugs and kisses, and when playing with pets, they can be your child’s best partner in crime!
4. Pets can teach your child how to be more responsible.
This is one of the most obvious benefits you can get from your child. Children who care for a pet are more likely to be responsible. They can manage simple tasks such as filling the pet’s water, food, walk them around the park or even help them groom.
So, for those who are still considering to have pets at home, what are you waiting for? Go get one for your little one so that they can have a cute companion at home to play with!
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