My Children Want a Pet - Should I Give in?

As a child I was never allowed to have any pets that could walk around, so I had to settle for caring for my fish and playing and petting my friends' dogs. The bond is not as big when physical contact is missing.

There are many benefits for children who have pets; here are the top five that might make you reconsider even if you know this will represent more work for you at home.

1. A pet can make your child build self-esteem and self-confidence. The affection they get from a pet might give them the acceptance that they sometimes do not find so easily at school.

2. A pet can be the recipient of thoughts and secrets. Many children have imaginary friends, others talk to their pets. It is nothing to worry about, just a sign of how close the relationship is to their pets.

3. Through pets children learn about facts of life such as illnesses, accidents, reproduction and birth, death and grief. They get to see their pets go through the circle of life and learn important lessons for their own future, when they get to those stages of life themselves.

4. Children also learn about responsibility through their pets. They need to be fed, taken to the vet regularly, get bathed, taken out for walks and they will also make messes that your children should help to clean.

5. The way children treat their pets is a sign of their emotional stability. The norm is that there will be a close bond and affection between the child and the pet. If not, that would point to a possible emotional problem.

Benefits definitely outweigh the occasional clean up and care that will be required, and in the long run even the adults will not resist that little creature that is ready to provide unconditional love. A pet can be an invaluable companion for anybody. Plus, if you want to set the example, you yourself will need to teach your child how to care and interact with your pet.

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