We all remember our first pet. Chances are that pet was your first friend, your favorite playmate, your secret keeper, and a source of comfort when you needed it most. Aside from the warm and fuzzy feelings we received, we were also learning valuable life lessons about kindness, compassion, and responsibility in the process. There is no doubt that having a pet brings a special joy to any home but it can be especially good for a child’s overall development.
Children have a natural affinity for animals that lends itself to having a special relationship with pets ranging from dogs, cats, horses, and even lizards and goldfish. These relationships are often referred to as being magical and transformative for many reasons. Children are just learning about themselves and the world around them so it fascinates them to be responded to by a pet. This keen awareness helps them to learn what is acceptable behavior and unacceptable behavior which ultimately bridges into relationships with people. Successful social interaction cultivates confidence and a confident child is more likely to have higher self-esteem which is vital as they grow through their formative years.
Pets respond to emotional cues and children are more likely to better understand complicated feelings like patience, tolerance, compassion, and kindness when there is a pet in the home. Studies also show that children who learned empathy through having a pet also showed greater empathy toward humans. Perhaps one of the greatest gifts a pet provides is pure, unconditional love. There is no judgment, only acceptance. These attributes inspire kids to do the same which leads to positive social connections with peers and serves as a terrific shield against bullying.
Having a pet in the home also requires responsibility for another living being. By encouraging a child to engage in age-appropriate care of a pet with simple tasks such as providing fresh water, gentle play, and keeping doors closed for safety, it gives a child a sense of achievement. This empowerment helps a child feel valued which leads to self-assurance. Finally, pets can teach a child about the circle of life. By caring for a sick or older pet, kids learn about selfless acts of love which can actually help them cope with other challenging life events.
When children are raised with pets the ripple effects are boundless. Through the human-animal bond, children learn caring connections toward all living beings making a better future for animals and people. Most importantly, having a pet is fun and brings enjoyment to any household.
About the author: Lisa Wiehebrink is the founder of the non-profit organization Tails That Teach and an award-winning author of the children’s books, Love Me Gently; A Kid’s Guide for Man’s Best Friend and Gray Whiskers; A Kid’s Guide for Loved Ones Growing Older. Her books uniquely bridge the connection between animals and people. Lisa donates the books to humane societies and elementary schools around the world to inspire kindness and encourage literacy. For more information about Tails That Teach, please visit www.tailsthatteach.org.
“When children are raised with pets the ripple effects are boundless. Through the human-animal bond, children learn caring connections toward all living beings."