The role pets take in children development

Recent studies from renowned magazines like Anthrozoös reflect that families who have pets have a higher mood, this fact being more obvious regarding kids. As it was expected, scientists discovered that, in general, children who live with pets have better overall health, are more obedient, more physically active, less fussy and have less issues learning.

In the following article, you will learn:

• The benefits that pets bring on children development
• Suggestions from field experts
• Fun activities ideas that your children can have with your pets

The role of pets in children development

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry mentions in numerous publications that taking care of a pet can help children develop social abilities. Still, specialist have a few observations:

• Because toddlers (under the age of 4) don’t have the necessary maturity to control their anger impulses, they have to be carefully monitored in the presence of pets and guided in dealing with different situations that might arise.
• Children under the age of 10 can’t care for a pet all on their own. The parents have to be actively involved and support the little ones in the process of taking care of a pet. It is essential that the children understand the needs of a pet, how much food they need and when, why it’s essential to receive fresh water and affection.
• Children need to remember, in a cool and calm manner, that pets, like humans, need food, water, affection but also personal space, so that when they decide to receive a new family member in their house, it should have their unconditioned attention.
• Parents were and always will be role models for the children. They learn to own a pet responsibly by observing their parents behavior.

The advantages of owning a pet

• A good relationship with a pet can also help in developing non-verbal communication, compassion and empathy. They offer life lessons, even about reproducing, birth, illnesses, accidents and other unforeseen moments.
• Pets encourage a tight bond with nature and can stimulate learning, comprehension and respect for other living beings. The children spend more time outside and start to understand different aspects related to animals.
• Childrens’ physical activity is stimulated through daily play with an animal or through walks in the park. It increases the need to run, jump or avoid obstacles together with their play partner.

What studies say

For a lot of people, pets are family members that offer them support in many of their lives’ stages. A study made in the USA showed that 63% of households with a child younger than 12 months had a pet and an Australian study showed a 10% increase in the number of pet owners around the time children start school.

The affirmations of the positive impact that pets bring to children can go even further, suggesting that pets can influence social abilities, health and even cognitive development and keeping them is associated with higher levels of empathy. For children with autism and their families, taking care of a pet can help reduce stress and create new opportunities to create bonds.

A lot of countries, including Australia, published suggestions related to physical activities for preschoolers between the ages of 3 and 5:

1. Accumulate a total of at least 180 minutes of physical activities a day, from which at least 60 minutes should be moderate physical activities, like walking
2. Have less than 60 minutes a day spent in front of a screen of any kind
3. Sleep between 10 and 13h a day (Australian Government Department of Health, 2017).

Suggestions of fun activities that your child can do with his pet:

• The child can lay on the floor and the cat or dog can jump over them
• You and your child can hide and then call your pet to come look for you
• Your child and your dog can race to a designated finish line. If necessary, you could use a leash for your dog
• Throw a toy that your pet can bring it back
• You can have so much fun with a toy that is tied at the end of a string, that your dog or cat will try to catch
• Older children can take part of basic courses for cats and dogs, together with their pet
• Children can play games like soccer or frisbee 
• Some children appreciate the challenge of competing with a dog in agility games that are about speed and avoiding certain obstacles.
• Children can look online or at a library for new tricks to teach your pet, like rolling over, shaking, sitting or begging, all of these being training techniques recommended by specialists
• Children can enjoy themselves by making fun photos or videos with their pets
• A lot of times, pets represent an inspiration source for different tasks or homeworks that children have at school. The presence of pets can be seen in different texts, verses or even paintings or arts and crafts projects.

Teach them to be good with animals. They will grow and be good with humans

Research shows that, at least for adults, the simple fact that we consider pets as family members, improves our wellbeing and helps reduce stress. One of the reasons for these therapeutic effects is the fact that pets fulfill one of the basic human needs – touching. Petting, hugging or any other form of touching an animal calms you fast when you are stressed or anxious. The company of a pet also attenuates loneliness and a big majority of dogs are known for being an excellent stimulus for healthy physical activities that will substantially improve your wellbeing and reduce stress.