Do you long to add a pet to your home but wonder if it is the right thing to do for your children? There is a growing trend of animals being put to work caring for humans; providing therapy, detecting changes in the physical and emotional state or even just as company for an isolated or unhappy person. But what benefits can a four-legged friend bring to children without these special requirements? You may be surprised…
- Learning to nurture and care for another living thing is a valuable life lesson for a young person. Children with an understanding of what it means to respect animals are far more likely to show kindness and consideration to each other. This lesson can be much more powerful with a real life example rather than a copy of Charlotte’s Web or Black Beauty.
- You may have seen some of the great videos on the Internet recently of children reading to dogs in shelters around the world. Not only does some company comfort an animal without a family, but also the non-judgmental ears of a pet can give a huge boost in the confidence of a self-conscious young reader.
- Pets need routine and being responsible for part of it is a great way to empower kids who often feel that their life is governed by someone older. The daily tasks of walking, grooming or feeding show young people the importance of structure and dedication to a task, preparing them for taking on more responsibility for themselves.
- Sometimes everyone needs a sign that it’s time to get up off the sofa and head outside. A dog that needs a long walk or a rabbit that needs to be fed is impossible to ignore and a much healthier hobby than computer games and social media.
- Science has shown that having a pet may actually make your children healthier. Researchers in the US have found that having a dog or cat in the home in your first year of life means you are about half as likely to develop allergies to them later on. It has also been shown to significantly reduce the chances of asthma developing in children.
Of course some pets are more suitable for families with children than others. A good rescue centre or pet shop should be able to tell you a little about a potential new addition’s breed and temperament, and a trainer can help you set boundaries with your 2 and 4 legged little ones alike to ensure mutual respect and a happy family.
With thanks to Homely Petz - Kennels/Boarding, Dog Training and Behaviour (UK), Pet Sitter connections - visit www.homelypetz.com for more information.