Pets benefit kids in countless ways, from improving their emotional well-being to teaching them responsibility. In this article, we will explore eight amazing ways that pets can positively impact a child’s life. Whether you are considering adding a furry friend to your family or simply want to learn more about the benefits of pets for kids, this article is for you. So, let’s dive in!
1. Pets Can Help With Learning
Reading is a critical skill for children, and research shows that pets can help kids become better readers. Mary Renck Jalongo, Ph.D., an education professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and author of The World of Children and Their Companion Animals, says that pets can be a nonjudgmental pal with paws, helping kids feel more comfortable while they practice reading aloud. In one study, researchers monitored stress levels while children read in front of a peer, an adult, and a dog. They found that kids were most relaxed around the animal, not the humans. For kids who are struggling with reading, curling up with a pet can be a more appealing option than working with a human tutor.
2. Pets Can Provide Comfort to Kids
Pets can also be a great source of comfort for children. Animals give children something to talk about and a shared interest with other kids. A pet can also provide emotional support and a listening ear. In a study, Gail F. Melson, Ph.D., professor emeritus of developmental studies at Purdue University in Indiana and the author of Why the Wild Things Are: Animals in the Lives of Children, asked a group of 5-year-old pet owners what they did when they felt sad, angry, afraid, or when they had a secret to share. More than 40% spontaneously mentioned turning to their pets. Kids who get support from their animal companions were rated by their parents as less anxious and withdrawn.
3. Pets Can Encourage Nurturing
Caring for a pet can help children develop the ability to care for others. According to Dr. Melson, nurturing is not a quality that suddenly appears in adulthood when we need it, and people do not learn to nurture because they were nurtured as a child. Kids need a way to practice being caregivers when they’re young. In her research, Dr. Melson tracked how much time kids over age 3 spent actively caring for their pets versus caring for or even playing with younger siblings. Over a 24-hour period, pet-owning kids spent 10.3 minutes in caregiving; those with younger siblings but no pets spent only 2.4 minutes. By caring for a pet, kids can learn the importance of responsibility and develop nurturing skills that will serve them well in the future.
4. Pets Can Boost Self-Esteem
Pets can also help boost a child’s self-esteem. Dr. Jalongo says that children who have pets feel good about themselves and have a positive self-image. Having a pet can help children develop a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can lead to increased confidence and self-worth. When kids feel like they have something important to take care of, they feel more capable and valued.
5. Pets Can Encourage Physical Activity
Pets can encourage physical activity, which is essential for children’s health and development. Dogs need regular exercise, and taking the dog for a walk can be a fun way for kids to get moving. Playing with a cat or chasing a ball with a dog can also be a great way to get kids up and active. Research shows that kids who have pets are more physically active than those who don’t.
6. Pets Can Boost Socialization
Pets can also be a catalyst for social interaction, says Dr. Jalongo. When kids meet a new friend on the playground, they don’t say, “Do you like to talk to grown-ups?” or “Do you like to talk to other 8-year-olds?” They say, “Do you have a dog?”
And that simple question can lead to discussions about breeds, obedience training, tricks, and favorite parks. As children talk and compare notes, they find common ground, and their friendships grow.
This same principle applies to adults as well. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people with dogs are approached more often, perceived as more friendly and approachable, and generally have more social interactions with other people.
7. Pets Can Promote Physical Activity
Having a pet, particularly a dog, can also encourage physical activity in kids. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that children who regularly walk their dogs are more physically active than those who don’t.
In fact, the American Heart Association has cited pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, as a factor in reducing the risk of heart disease. Walking the dog is a great way to get exercise for both the pet and the owner, and it’s a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy together.
8. Pets Can Teach Responsibility
It’s no secret that pets require a certain level of care and responsibility. Feeding, grooming, and exercising a pet all require attention and effort. By having a pet, kids can learn the importance of taking care of something else, and they can develop a sense of responsibility.
In one study, researchers found that pet-owning children had higher scores on measures of empathy, responsibility, and self-esteem than those without pets. And as Dr. Melson notes, taking care of a pet can teach kids that their actions have consequences.
“When a child is given a task like feeding the cat, and they forget or don’t do it, the cat doesn’t have to eat,” she says. “The cat’s not going to bug the child about it, but the child learns that there are consequences to not fulfilling responsibilities.”
Having a pet can be a wonderful addition to a family, and it can provide a variety of benefits for kids. From encouraging learning and nurturing to promoting socialization and physical activity, pets can play a valuable role in a child’s development.
Of course, it’s important to remember that owning a pet is a big responsibility, and it’s not something that should be taken lightly. Parents should carefully consider the needs of the pet and their family before deciding to bring a new animal into the home.
But for those who are willing and able to take on the responsibility, the rewards of pet ownership can be immeasurable. As Dr. Melson says, “Animals bring so much joy and so many benefits into our lives. They’re worth the effort and the expense, and they’re worth the space they take up in our hearts and our homes.”
