The Benefits To Children When They Have A Pet

The dictionary definition of a pet is: "a tame animal kept as objection of affection." Every parent wants their child to be affectionate and will often prompt them to do so by requiring them to give a kiss or cuddle. There are however experiences in life that help such attributes to grow and blossom naturally. Here are some other benefits to a child when they have a pet:

It teaches them about commitment and responsibility
This is the time when children learn to persevere even when they don't feel like it. Their dog will still need taking for a walk even if they are tired or it's raining hard. Sometimes they will have to put someone else's needs before their own and still be there for them. Giving up isn't an option when an animal needs feeding and the child learns how, by overcoming their own feelings, they become trustworthy and reliable. They will have to learn to prioritize and manage their time. This is a marvellous characteristic to learn at an early age that will bring them great benefits in the future when looking for a job or a marriage partner. It will win them many friends, as their pet won't be the only one to appreciate these qualities.
It teaches them about the animal world and nature
When our son acquired a different sort of pet- a Gekko, he spent some time looking on the internet to find out how to house him, feed him and care for him. To know about Gekko Pet Care was important when the reptile couldn't survive without a certain temperature and diet. It was a matter of life and death. He learned a lot about reptiles and the Gekko certainly seemed to do well in the safety that our son's knowledge provided him. The animal world is vast and amazing and with just a little time and effort can teach us much about the whole world in which we live and the role we play in it. By reading and making notes, our son's new project helped to improve his academic skills also of reading and writing. In the end it did his self-confidence good to know that he was an expert in a field that many adults even, knew little about.
Often gets them outdoors in the fresh air
In the Western World where many children are now obese and yet the temptations of sitting too long at screens are huge, having a pet is a great way to add diversity and exercise to their lifestyle. Obviously different sorts of pets have different needs. Generally, the larger they are, the more space and exercise they need. Even small pets need a bit of housework on their cages every few days and by getting them out and playing with them children are developing their motor skills. When dogs need taking for a walk it forces the child to take a break from their indoor occupation and gets them out into the fresh air, providing valuable aerobic exercise. It's also an opportunity to explore the countryside and discover new areas of their neighbourhood. The life and excitement of a dog who has been offered a walk gives a lift to any child's mood and encourages them to meet other people.
Gives them a companion to love and share
Nowadays many families consist of one child who needs a companion. This is exactly what a pet can be for them. It enables them to learn the skill to some degree, of sharing and caring for someone else, so that when they do go out into the world, they are able to relate more easily with other people. Just as it can be a relief and therapeutic to be able to talk to someone and just have them near, so with a pet a child can feel comforted knowing that they are there and they can talk to them even if their pet cannot answer back. Even the act of stroking an animal can be very soothing and calming. The saying that "a dog is a man's best friend" has often been proved to be very true.

This article has not mentioned the negative aspects of owning a pet such as the mess, noise, expense and time commitment, but it can certainly be argued that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Christine Hulme loves writing about ways in which we can "live well" in a difficult world. She believes in creating a safe place in a healthy family environment, from which she believes we can go out and accomplish great things. She has an NVQ3 In Early Years Care & Education and loves cooking, arts & crafts, music, guitar, singing, walking, swimming and sharing these things with others.

For further articles about this subject go to Guinea Pig Adventures and Pets For Kids-Making It Work