by Pets are beneficial for everyone but this article is all about benefits of pets for children. Children who grow up with pets absorb a lot, without them even realizing it. Believe it or not having a pet will help in a child’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.
10 Benefits of Pets for Children
First friend
Your pet would be the first friend your child makes, if you own a pet when your child is born.Your child will treat your pet as his/her closest confidante. They can even become the best friend too, because they know how to keep a secret and are non-judgmental.
Reduces risk of allergies
We sanitize our hands a million times and won’t even be caught dead without our footwear. This has reduced our exposure to germs, which also means that the slightest exposure makes you sick. But early exposure to pets can be useful as they help in boosting your child’s immunity thus bringing down visits to the doctor drastically.
Responsibility
A child who grows up with a pet learns to be responsible.You can begin by giving small chores that are age appropriate for the kid. Make sure to supervise younger kids.
Values
While interacting and taking care of the pet, they become kind, gentle and empathetic.Pets also teach you how to love unconditionally!This leads to better relationships within the family.
Good caregivers
They can study about the basic requirements of living beings. They learn how water, food and shelter is essential. Not just that they will be better equipped to care for their younger one, if and when they join the family.
Helps in learning
Therapy animals are used to help children with certain disabilities, learn? Pets do not make fun or judge, so kids are more relaxed around them.
Exercise
Playing with the pet guarantees that the child remains healthy and active. Children love to play fetch with pet dogs.
Help make friends
Some kids are shy. While they are not opposed to the idea of making friends, they find it difficult to approach other kids and make friends. In such cases, having a pet helps, as it’s a great ice breaker.Having a pet can also make your kid more social.
Stress relief
This is something that you need to experience first-hand and having done that, let me tell you- It works!! Spending time with your pets can bring down your stress levels.Not just that the time they spend with the pet playing also helps to keep them happy and thus keeps them positively charged.
Helps them learn with losses
Unfortunately, pets have a smaller lifespan and don’t live long to celebrate your every milestone. Thus making the kids realize an inevitable stage of life – Death. It won’t be easy but as parents you should help them deal with the pain. Visit the Zoo with your toddler to educate them more about the animal world.
Now you know why having a pet is great for your child and the benefits of pets for children. Actually it’s not just good for them but also for the whole family.
