Child Animal Development
A family pet is just that – part of the family. And while the family dog or family cat can seem like one of the kids, they can also help shape a child’s development. Children are drawn even to fictional animals! Learn about how animals captivate babies, provide companionship for children, and even teach children morals and social skills!
Step 1: Pets are an important part of a childs life.
Not having a pet at home for a child is kind of like not having lemons in lemonade. The two just go together. Pets can be an important part of the family, and they can actually help shape a child's development. Whether your family has a pet or not, animals are a big part of a child's world, from toys like teddy bears and Pez dispensers to characters like Barney and Shrek.
Step 2: Children love animals.
Research shows us that infants seem to be almost hardwired to be attracted to animals, and perhaps it's the childlike qualities that animals possess. So often we might see children who might even be weary of adults actually be attracted to an animal or to a stuffed animal.
Step 3: Pets are shown to improve a childs happiness, even as babies.
The Baby Einstein video series proves this theory. When they watch the tape, babies almost always get excited when they see stuffed animals, and a smiling happy baby is a healthy baby.
Step 4: Pets are an ideal substitute for an only child with no brothers or sisters.
For kids without brothers and sisters, pets can teach kids problem-solving and taking responsibility for another living being. And for boys, a family pet allows them to show their gentle side by kissing and hugging without being made fun of or called a sissy. Through this attachment, a child learns empathy, caring, responsibility-- we see children who are attached to animals have increased social skills, increased self-esteem.
Step 5: Having pets in the home produces health benefits too!
There are many medical benefits of children having pets in the home, which include reduced stress, less anxiety, and lowered heart rates, and a happier healthier child-- well, you know the rest. Perhaps the best part of owning a pet is that they teach kids how to love. "I love my dog, and she's my little baby."
For the Pet Report, I'm Mitch Wilder.
