If you are at this point with your kids and you are not sure about accepting the idea of housing pets because of the stress involved, we are with you in this. We want you to look beyond the time and efforts needed for caring for pets, and focus on the reasons why growing up with pets is good for your kids.
1. It teaches them responsibility
Kids with pets have to take care of the animals the best way they can. They would most likely be responsible for cleaning the pet’s house depending on their age. And they would also make sure that the pet is properly fed and never lacks drinking water. For example, kids that have dogs like boxers would have to do the necessary research to know the best dog food for boxers because such breeds would not eat just any type of dog food. All these activities teach kids to take up responsibility. And after an extended period of living with pets, they would have mastered the act of being responsible.
2. It builds their self-confidence
To kids, their pets are like humans. So, they try to relate with the pet as they would with their age mates. They talk to the animals, play with them, cuddle with them and even get angry with them. All these displays of their innermost feelings to their pets without the fear of being judged would play a significant role in boosting their self-confidence.
3. It teaches the act of sharing
One of the ways by which kids bond with their pets is by sharing things with them. Kids share food, drink, thought, and ideas with their pets. They look for those special moments of giving things to their pets. And the plus side is that the pets never have to ask for it. So, kids learn to share things with other people based on their discretion.
4. It helps to form healthy habits
Children with pets would have the opportunity to move around the neighborhood often. For example, kids with dogs would have to take them for walks, and in the process, they run also. Running and walking would keep a child physically fit, and they would never forget the habits when they’re older. Another instance is the food for dogs. In the US, dog owners are encouraged to give dogs all natural pet treats to keep them healthy. Of course, kids who have dogs that always snack on healthy treats would be curious to know why healthy eating is important. And once the children know the value of healthy foods, they would incorporate it into their lifestyle too.
5. It improves health
According to research, kids with pets are super healthy. They have a high-resistant immune system that wards off diseases naturally. So, their health improves, and they hardly have hospital visits except on rare occasion.
6. It boosts love between siblings
One of the primary purposes of having pets is because they are good playmates. And with kids, they get to play more. So, siblings that have pets would usually want to play with it. And since just one person cannot claim possession of the pets, the siblings would learn to play together and stay happy. Siblings with pets have something that would distract them from constant fighting and arguments which children engage in often.
7. It reduces the risk of developing asthma
According to research, kids with pets are not likely to develop asthma. No one is sure about how this works yet, but speculations say that constant exposure to animal furs strengthens the lungs of kids and keeps the air passage cleared.
8. It improves reading skills
Little kids that are just learning to read often dislike the constant correction from adults whenever they are reading. And because of that, they could stop putting much effort in learning how to read perfectly. However, it is a different scenario for kids that have pets. In their pets, they would find the suitable reading buddy; a great listener that would not correct them when they make mistakes. As such, they would read out loud to their pets without feeling ashamed. And when they are consistent with it, they get better at reading.
9. It reduces loneliness
Pets are great companions for kids. They play together and share meal times. In addition to that, children talk to their pets, and they have the imagination that they are talked back to. And this makes kids with pets feel less lonely. Since they know that they have a constant friend in their pet, as they would never get bored of playing with them. Such kid would rarely feel lonely.
10. It curbs anxiety
Kids have stress challenges too. Sometimes, they are stressed in school. And the anxiety may also occur due to a lack of quality sleep. However, kids get to talk to their pets concerning the anxiety and what they think is responsible for the way they are feeling. Children unburden to their pets and thus, feeling better within a short while. Featured photo credit: Leah Kelley via pexels.com
