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May 31, 2022 · Your child was right, owning a pet can be good for them: socially and emotionally. Here's what child experts and researchers say.
- Simone Marie
Dec 16, 2019 · The top reason rated as very important for children to have a pet is for fun and companionship (63%). Other reasons include that a pet would teach their child responsibility (57%), and parents themselves having a pet growing up and enjoying it (39%).
- They have higher self-esteem. When given tasks to complete, such as helping with the care of a pet, kids show an improvement in self-esteem. The tasks should be age-appropriate, though, the authors say, such as allowing a 3-year-old who is too young to walk a dog put the water bowl down instead.
- They’re more compassionate. Multiple studies showed that children who owned pets were more empathetic towards others. “If there are pets in the house, parents and children frequently share in taking care of the pet, which suggests that youngsters learn at an early age how to care for and nurture a dependent animal,” Endenburg and Baarda write.
- They feel supported. Several researchers found that children often name their pet when asked who they would go to with a problem. “Pets can make people feel unconditionally accepted, whereas fellow humans will judge and may criticize,” the report continues.
- They have better cognitive skills. Some research has suggested that kids who talk to pets, whether by giving praise and commands or just babbling, show improved cognitive development.
- Kids with pets get better grades in school. In a report called “The Educational Benefits of Pets,” the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association found a connection between children who have pets and their academic achievement.
- Pets help Kids learn naturing skills. While feeding and caring for their pet, your child will learn to be nurturing, even if they care for something other than a human.
- Kids with pets have a stronger immune system. A study on the effects of loneliness and health found that children surrounded by pets had fewer respiratory infections, stomach aches, and headaches than those without pets in the home.
- Pets are great for social development. It’s normal for children to want friends and, when parents work long hours or don’t have the time to provide their children with daily socialization, a pet can be a great way to help them develop their social skills.
- Pets Help Kids Understand Science Better. Don't sign them up for med school yet, but Dr. Gail F. Melson, a developmental psychologist found that young children who had pets at home have a stronger understanding of biology than their peers, reported Scientific American.
- They Reduce Anxiety. Kids with pets are more chill and less worried because there's always someone to comfort them when they get home. Dr. Melson found that, "kids who turned to their pets for emotional support were less anxious and withdrawn than those who didn't," as Scientific American reported.
- Kids Will Learn How To Be Kind & Empathetic. Kids will learn about empathy from animals, Caryn Gray, a volunteer and Social Media Coordinator for the Hi Tor Animal Shelter in New York tells Romper.
- They Give Kids A Sense of Responsibility. Responsibility for a pet goes even beyond changing the litter, walking, and feeding them. Dr. Joseph tells Romper, "I love walking into an exam room to meet a new pet and hearing how much thorough research the children have done prior to acquiring that animal.
Sep 30, 2021 · Not only do animals love unconditionally, but they are always ready to listen without judgment. In fact, studies show that pet ownership may benefit kids in a number of ways. Pets can help decrease stress and can even help children develop social and emotional skills.
Dec 14, 2017 · There are many benefits to owning a pet. Pets teach children valuable life lessons like responsibility, trust, compassion, respect and patience. While pets offer a lot of benefits to kids, kids also have a lot to offer the pet in your family as well.
