Question: Are kids better with pets? A study conducted by Martin and Proulx (1996) found that the presence of pets in the family provides a variety of benefits to children. Pets provide children with companionship, affection, responsibility, social interactions, development opportunities for independence, and the ability to express emotions. However, there are also some potential difficulties related to pets. Pets can teach unhelpful behaviors, such as inappropriate elimination or aggression. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) advises parents to keep their pet’s behavior under control before introducing it to their child. Evaluating the pros and cons helps make an informed decision about whether or not your child should have a pet in his or her life.
Like adults, children also reap many benefits from having a pet. Children who grow up in a household that owns a pet grow up more secure, active, and empathetic. According to research, parents who own a pet can raise emotionally intelligent children as compared to those parents who don’t have pets. Here are a few more reasons why you should bring a pet home for your child.
Feeding and caring for a pet teaches responsibility to the kids.
Having a loyal and loving pet can make a child feel important and help them develop a positive image.
Children get emotionally attached to their pets, which helps them to build better relationships in the future.
Pets can help calm down aggressive and hyperactive children.
Kids with pets get to go out more often daily (for walks, runs). This ultimately renders many health benefits and keeps children fit.
Pets teach important life lessons to kids, including reproduction, birth, illnesses, accidents, death, and bereavement.
Having a pet at home can help children cope with separation anxiety, especially in the case of working parents.
Pets can benefit children with learning disabilities in learning how to manage tension and calm down, allowing them to better cope with the challenges of their disorder.
Kids with autism or other cognitive disabilities can do better off with pets as they communicate with non-verbal cues.
According to research, children whose mothers spent time around dogs during pregnancy are at a lower risk of developing eczema.