Kids and Pets
Pets are an important part of childhood. Everybody has a childhood memory involving a pet. If you’re considering getting a pet, be prepared for additional expenses and headaches over who cares for the pet. However, children benefit significantly from caring for animals. It teaches them to be kind, patient and gentle and those traits will carry over to how they treat other people. Developing positive feelings about pets can contribute to a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence. Positive relationships with pets can aid in the development of trusting relationships with others.
A happy relationship with a pet can also help in developing non-verbal communication, compassion, and empathy. There are physical benefits such as added exercise (walking the dog!) and the comfort of a soft and furry touch. Children often talk to their pets, so they’re good for releasing private thoughts and secrets without judgment. They reduce anxiety. Through birth and death, they teach children about life.
All kinds of animals can be fun for children, but it is important to choose a pet that is right for your family, your home, and your lifestyle; and one that your child can help care for. Avoid bringing aggressive animals into your home or exotic animals as they are usually harder to care for.
Taking care of a pet can help children develop social skills. However, parents should be aware of the following:
* Since very young children (under the age of 3-4 years) do not have the maturity to control their aggressive and angry impulses, they should be monitored with pets at all times.
* Young children (under 10 years) are unable to care for a large animal, a cat or a dog, on their own.
* Parents must oversee the pet’s care even if they believe their child is old enough to care for a pet.
* If children become lax in caring for a pet, parents may have to take over the responsibility on their own.
* Children should be reminded in a gentle, not scolding way, that animals, like people, need food, water and exercise.
* If a child continues to neglect a pet, a new home may have to be found for the animal.
* Parents serve as role models. Children learn responsible pet ownership by observing their parents’ behavior.
Pets can add to the joy of a family and bring many new experiences for children. They take a lot of work but also bring a lot of love and wonderful memories.
Images: bestfriends.org, orangecountykidsactivities.com
Pet tips: aacap.org
