Growing up with a pet: The benefits for children
Your children would love to have a pet, but you're unsure. However, having a pet around children brings a multitude of benefits.
More than half of families worldwide have a pet. These living beings bring joy, affection, and a much-appreciated presence to all. However, before adopting a pet, it is essential to remember that it is not a toy, like a unicorn, doll, or stuffed animal.
Indeed, a pet is a wonderful playmate, but it requires time, attention, and affection every day, regardless of our desires, moods, or schedules.
Furthermore, the presence of a pet instills a sense of responsibility, respect, and the importance of others, while also boosting confidence and emotional security–essential aspects for a child's emotional well-being.
Step 1 – Reduces Anxiety
It's well-known that animals have an incredible ability to help reduce stress and anxiety in humans. The love, happiness, and excitement we feel for our pets significantly boost our mental health. Providing your child with a fun and cuddly companion can help alleviate their pain and stress on tough days, filling the void of loneliness. Cuddling with a pet and sharing space can increase oxytocin production and serotonin levels, which in turn decreases stress and lowers blood pressure.
Step 2 – Caring for a pet contributes to child development
The presence of a pet also influences the overall development of a child:
- Physical skills development: This is especially true for young children who enjoy trying to keep up with the dog or cat around the house, or improve their dexterity by learning to fill the water or food bowl.
- Social skills development: Interacting with a pet has been shown to enhance social skills in children. Adults who grew up with a pet tend to be more sociable than those who did not.
- Learning to share: Who hasn't shared their snack with their dog or cat, prompted by their pleading eyes? This teaches children the value of sharing, a skill that carries into adulthood.
Step 3 – Growing up with a pet can strengthen children's immune systems
Several studies published indicate that a child who grows up with a pet tends to have better health. In addition to promoting physical activity through play with their companion, the child also develops a more resilient immune system, particularly through exposure to bacteria and microbes brought by the pet. Licking, cuddling, or simply the pet moving between the outdoors and indoors, helps the child build immunity, including reducing the risk of developing allergies or asthma.
Step 4 – They Encourage Physical Activity
Walking the dog, running with the rabbit, playing with the cat… these are all physical activities that get children moving! Kids with pets spend more time outdoors and benefit from the fresh air and physical exercise that come with these outings.
To conclude, the arrival of a companion in your home promotes the development and autonomy of your child and teaches them a sense of responsibility. This decision must be carefully considered and not taken lightly. The family should choose a pet that aligns with what they can provide. A pet is not a toy but a living being in its own right, one that we must care for and that, in return, can bring us so much happiness! Remember, you are its whole life, so make it as beautiful as possible.
You can also take your children to the activities we suggest on our event page!
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