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Pets are incredible creatures that bring so much joy to our lives. I have grown up with cats and dogs, so I wanted for my children to experience the same. Most homes in the U.S., 68% to be exact have pets, according to a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association. However, I have had the experience of coming across a few people that were against the idea of keeping pets in households with kids. It may be due to the misconceptions that get people worried such as dogs spreading diseases or being dangerous for kids. What many may not be aware of is the fact that growing up with a pet in the house is beneficial for your kids.
Benefits of Pets and Kids Growing Together
Yes getting a new pet in the house especially when you have small kids is a challenge especially for mums because they will have one more baby to care for. But if the experience is made to be positive, it will teach your child valuable life skills such as selflessness, empathy, and compassion. It doesn’t stop here; there are various other benefits of getting a pet for your little ones, let’s take a look at five such advantages:
Pets Can Make Kids Responsible
Getting a pet is an excellent way of involving your children in the household chores. Although your kids may not enjoy cleaning their room or making their bed they love their pets hence participate actively in caring for them. You can begin by assigning responsibilities such as providing the dry or canned food to the dog or making sure he has access to clean water. The participation in such chores will benefit your children in ways that they will become self-reliant and confident as they grow up.
Health Benefits of Owning Pets
Contrary to popular belief that pets spread diseases, having a pet can benefit your child’s health. A study reveals that children who are exposed to the household dogs and cats when they are two years or less are less prone to allergies. Furthermore, pets act as the perfect companions and a source of emotional support for the children when they are upset. Because pets don’t judge their humans and love them unconditionally, your kids can express their feelings to their pets which helps reduce stress and loneliness.
Pets Enable Kids to Socialize
These cute creatures grab the attention of other people and act as a source of socialization. They are mainly beneficial for kids with autism. Research reveals that autistic kids who have pets at home have better social skills than those who don’t. It is because the bond they share with these animals makes them comfortable and provides them the confidence to communicate with the people around.
Pets Bring Your Family Closer
Pets can play a significant role in bringing your family closer as they act as a shared interest among the members. The kids develop better coordination and cooperation when they step up to fulfill their responsibilities towards pets. They tend to spend time away from the screens, taking the dog for walks or playing with the cat. It also teaches them how to function as a team and can also improve interactions between the parents and kids.
They Can Make Children Smarter
Did you know that children with pets at home can perform better at school? Well, that indeed is true. The affection from a pet and selfless love can boost your child’s motivation to do better. A survey conducted for children revealed that kids with pets mainly mice realized that they did better at their school homework. They were happier, calmer and felt more intelligent due to their animal companions by their side.
AUTHOR BIO: Jenny Perkins is an Animal Behavior Specialist and a passionate writer. She loves to write about the nutrition, health, and care of dogs. And, she aims at providing tips to dog owners that can help them become better pet parents. She writes for the blog Here Pup.
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