Friendship Between Pets And Children
Pets are part of many children’s lives. In fact, a child who learns to care for an animal and treats it with kindness and patience can receive invaluable training in learning to treat people the same way. Which shows, among other things, that the friendship between pets and children is very positive.
All types of pets can bring children pleasure, however it is important to choose an animal that is suitable for the home and the family’s lifestyle. Incorporating a pet into the family is not a decision to be made impulsively.
First, it must be a commitment from the parents, not the child, as they will be ultimately responsible for the pet’s well-being. Once the ideal pet has been found for the family, the joys and benefits of the relationship are long-term.
Although pets have been identified as a direct source of companionship and support for their owners, their role as a catalyst for the formation of friendships or social support networks among humans has received special attention.
One study investigated the indirect role of animals Pets as facilitators of three dimensions of social relationship: meet people, form friendships and social support networks.
Benefits of Friendship between Pets and Children
Here are the advantages for children of having a pet at home:
1. Promote confidence and self-esteem
Children can gain confidence by taking on the responsibility of caring for a pet. Children as young as 3 years old can start performing simple tasks such as filling the pet’s food and water bowls. As they grow, they can take control of other tasks.
2. Give unconditional love
Especially for lonely children or when there is sibling rivalry, a pet is a fun companion for the little ones in the house. The animal can comfort, support and listen to the child’s problems without any judgment or consequence.
And, when playing, a pet can become a child’s best companion. Often, the friendship between pets and children is as healing as that of his fellow humans.
3. Child development, social development and responsibility
Pets are good for children’s social and emotional development, as well as helping to teach children responsibilities.
By giving the child the responsibility of caring for the pet, we help them know how to handle the obligations and thus prepare them for the future.
In fact, it ‘s very important that you talk to your child about the responsibilities of owning a pet before you get one. He must know clearly about his tasks and not let his parents do all the work.
4. Pets encourage physical activity
When children interact with their pets, it means they are not glued to the television or computer screen. Also, an added benefit of having pets is that they allow children to spend more time outside the home.
Whether walking the dog or taking the rabbit to chew fresh vegetables, pets encourage children to spend time in natural surroundings and get some exercise. Any type of physical exercise is good for varied learning and for the health of little ones in general.
In fact, research has shown that kids who have dogs get an average of 11 minutes more exercise a day than other kids who don’t.
5. A good choice for children with autism
Finally, you should know that studies have shown that children with autism have made substantial progress related to social interaction when spending time with a pet.
Along these lines, researchers at the University of Queensland, Australia, have shown a significant increase in the ability to speak, smile, look at faces, make tactile contact and reach social approaches when children with autism play with animals.
Furthermore, pets are not only good for children with autism, they can also help all children develop appropriate social skills. So this can be translated into human interaction.
Remember that friendships between pets and children are touching. As you may have noticed, it has several benefits. If you don’t already have one, it may be important to consider the possibility and propose this idea to your child.
