Many parents worry about the amount of time their children spend in front of the television or playing video games. But what if there was a way to keep your kids entertained and learning at the same time? Pets can be great for children, providing them with love, companionship, and hours of fun. Here are some of those reasons why getting a pet might be good for your children.
1. Pets can be a source of unconditional love and companionship.
Pets are not just animals living inside the home. They are beings capable of loving and caring. They will never judge your child, will love them unconditionally, and offer comfort whenever they need it. This alone is enough reason to get a cute Goldendoodle puppy or a furry feline companion if your child feels alone even when they are with people. Shy and introverted children can especially benefit from this as a pet can help boost their social skills and self-esteem.
2. Pets can teach your children to take care of living creatures.
Children who are taught how to properly take care of an animal tend to be more responsible than those who are not. They will know how to feed, water, play with, and clean up after their pets, teaching them how to be responsible for another life. Your children will also learn responsibility as they must save up and plan how to spend their allowance on food, toys, and other pet supplies.
3. Pets can increase your child’s physical activity and help them burn off excess energy.
Dogs need a lot of exercise and playtime to keep healthy and happy. Even the smallest breeds need as much as 30 minutes of exercise before they can cuddle up and sleep at night. This is good for children who spend too much time indoors, either playing video games or completing schoolwork. Instead of letting your child sit down all day, they can play with their pet and burn off excess energy that may otherwise be bottled up and lead to tantrums.
4. Pets deter children from unhealthy habits like excessive video game playing or television watching.
Many parents rely on television or video games as a means of babysitting their children. These activities may be fun, but they are not beneficial for growing minds and bodies. If you decide to punish your child by taking away their electronics, they will most likely grow resentful and rebellious toward the restriction. Instead, offer them a chance to bond with a pet as a replacement for video games and television. Not only will they learn responsibility as they tend to their pets every day, but the responsibility will keep them from engaging in those unhealthy habits that can hinder normal growth and development.
5. Children tend to show fewer signs of depression if they have a pet, especially after the loss of a family member or other trauma.
Children who have pets can show fewer signs of depression and sadness after a loss or family trauma. Not only will the love and companionship from their pet comfort them, but they also have something to take care of other than themselves, which can keep their mind off of any pain suffered as a result. If a child suffers from anxiety or general emotional distress, a pet should only be used as a means to take care of. If it is still not helping after all other measures have been taken, consider professional help from a therapist or psychologist.
6. Kids who grow up with pets are more likely to develop into well-adjusted adults.
Pets provide children with a sense of fun and purpose. Children who have dogs may be more likely to complete their homework because they want to spend time with their pets, while those who have cats will take the time to care for their needs instead of seeking immediate gratification from a screen or human interaction. Pets also help children learn empathy as they must care for their pet’s needs and feelings. This will show through as they grow up to be responsible adults who care about others, making them more likely to form strong relationships with other people later in life.
If you are thinking about getting a pet for your children, be sure to do your research first so that you can find the perfect match for your family. It is also important to know how much work and responsibility will be involved as you do not want your kids growing resentful of the pet after they lose their novelty.
If you are considering adding a new furry member to your family, consider all of these benefits before making your decision. Pets can be good for children when used correctly but should not take the place of proper parenting.