1. Children with pets are healthier
Several studies have proven the health benefits for children in families with pets. Children who grow up around pets have stronger immune systems and less instances of childhood asthma and allergies due to exposure to dust and dander. Benefits continue with age; children with pets spend more time outside and get more exercise.
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photo credit: Me & George, 1965 via photopin (license)
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Dogs can keep us happy and healthy!
The whole family can benefit from having a pet. Statistics prove it: people with pets require less doctor visits on average than people without pets.
The death of a beloved pet is heartbreaking for a child, but it is also an opportunity for them to learn about death through personal experience. Most pets have relatively short life spans when compared to our own. Hamsters live about 3 years; guinea pigs, 6 years; dogs and cats live about 13 to 14 years on average.
When a pet dies, your child will likely undergo the grieving process, which, while sad, can lead to their personal growth as a person.
Just sitting and stroking a pet can have a relaxing effect on the mind. Studies have shown that dogs can help humans reduce stress and treat depression, and children with ADD and ADHD or Austim can also benefit from the calming effects of interacting with a family pet.
There is even evidence that having a pet can help children with cognitive and emotional development.
When children read out loud, it increases their reading comprehension and speaking abilities more than reading silently. What can be an awkward activity when alone becomes a fun activity when you have a family pet. Most children feel more comfortable reading out loud to a pet than reading out loud by themselves.
It's not just reading skills that get a boost. Studies have also proven that children with pets in their daily life develop a better understanding of biology than their pet-free classmates, even though their interactions with the animals are mostly social.
If you have a pet, or plan on getting one for your family, be sure to discuss with your children the proper way to treat and care for a pet, and always watch your children around new pets. If you're unsure about getting a pet, consider the suggestions in Is Your Child Ready For a Pet? on the American Academy of Pediatrics website. Pets are a long-term commitment, so the decision to get one should be made only after thoughtful consideration.
When getting a pet, it’s a good idea to set some ground rules, for both the well being of your new pet and the safety of your children. I recommend taking a look at this list of Responsible Pet Owner Rules for Kids on the Growing Up With Pets website (or download the PDF version) for some basic guidelines to share with your children.
Your children could experience any or all of the benefits I listed above. One thing I know for sure, my family wouldn't be complete without our fluffy little eight-year-old Bichon Frise, Sebastian.
Until next time, happy fathering. (and mothering too!)
2. Pets teach children about life and death.
The death of a beloved pet is heartbreaking for a child, but it is also an opportunity for them to learn about death through personal experience. Most pets have relatively short life spans when compared to our own. Hamsters live about 3 years; guinea pigs, 6 years; dogs and cats live about 13 to 14 years on average.
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photo credit: Toto, Hollywood Forever via photopin (license)
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Toto was a good dog.
When a pet dies, your child will likely undergo the grieving process, which, while sad, can lead to their personal growth as a person.
3. Pets provide stress relief and calming effects for children
Just sitting and stroking a pet can have a relaxing effect on the mind. Studies have shown that dogs can help humans reduce stress and treat depression, and children with ADD and ADHD or Austim can also benefit from the calming effects of interacting with a family pet.
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Kids love cats. (Cats tolerate kids.)
There is even evidence that having a pet can help children with cognitive and emotional development.
4. Pets help children get better at reading and biology
When children read out loud, it increases their reading comprehension and speaking abilities more than reading silently. What can be an awkward activity when alone becomes a fun activity when you have a family pet. Most children feel more comfortable reading out loud to a pet than reading out loud by themselves.
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photo credit: Olivia Reading to Montague via photopin (license)
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The pets enjoy it too!
It's not just reading skills that get a boost. Studies have also proven that children with pets in their daily life develop a better understanding of biology than their pet-free classmates, even though their interactions with the animals are mostly social.
Is your family ready for a pet?
If you have a pet, or plan on getting one for your family, be sure to discuss with your children the proper way to treat and care for a pet, and always watch your children around new pets. If you're unsure about getting a pet, consider the suggestions in Is Your Child Ready For a Pet? on the American Academy of Pediatrics website. Pets are a long-term commitment, so the decision to get one should be made only after thoughtful consideration.
When getting a pet, it’s a good idea to set some ground rules, for both the well being of your new pet and the safety of your children. I recommend taking a look at this list of Responsible Pet Owner Rules for Kids on the Growing Up With Pets website (or download the PDF version) for some basic guidelines to share with your children.
Your children could experience any or all of the benefits I listed above. One thing I know for sure, my family wouldn't be complete without our fluffy little eight-year-old Bichon Frise, Sebastian.
Until next time, happy fathering. (and mothering too!)
