Julia a mother of two share her love of pets and why having pets at home have really helped during a pandemic at home. Over to Julia.
I would honestly like to be able to sum up all of my thoughts and feelings about the subject in one very long, very rambly, very honest sentence. But I can’t.
Trust me, I’ve tried, and I either come up with a lot of gibberish, or I sum it all up in one very short, but to the point, sentence.
- It will make children better humans.
Do allow me to expand on that thought though?
2. Pets can teach kids empathy.
Pets have been linked to maintaining better mental health and reducing loneliness during lockdown, new research shows
The older I get, the more I find that empathy is something we learn very young. I’ve yet to meet an adult who is distinctly non-empathetic and watch them become more sensitive to others. Growing up with animals (especially cats and dogs) teaches kids how to be sensitive to other’s feelings, how to be caring and gentle, how to be compassionate and loving.
In fact, pets are probably the best way to teach empathy – and the most natural one. You won’t have to teach a lesson at all. It will occur organically, on its very own.
3. Pets can teach kids responsibility
That is, if you use the fact that you have a pet (or pets) as a prompt to teach responsibility.
Some children will definitely want to take on the task of caring for a pet on their very own. They’ll want to feed them, take them for walks, and be around them all the time.
Other kids will enjoy playtime and snuggling, but they might be a bit more hesitant to clean up the kitty litter, or to wash up the food bowl.
Having a pet gives you endless opportunities to reinforce the importance of taking care of their needs, and the importance of being responsible. True, some of these chores may be tedious and not quite pleasant, but they need to be done, and they are all a part of caring for and loving your pet.
And as the pet is so cute, the kids will have a tougher time saying no. Or at least that’s what we tell ourselves.
Children who grow up with pets are healthier Contrary to what was once popular belief, kids who grow up around animals tend to be healthier, less prone to allergies, and they are also less likely to develop asthma.
Instead of keeping your child in a glass jar and trying to prevent them from getting a bit dirty, scrape their knees every once in a while, and sleep with their nose firmly planted in a furry creature, consider the benefits of exposing them to all of these experiences.
Of course, you should ensure your pets are healthy and clean, and that they can’t even potentially pass anything hazardous to your child. Other than that, don’t worry about your child living with a pet from day one.
Pets are great for mental health Dogs and cats also provide an incredible boost to our mental health. They love us unconditionally, they are here for us whenever we need them, they don’t judge and they love us for who we are.
Kids who grow up with pets are less likely to develop anxiety later in life, and they are also more likely to have better self-esteem that kids who grow up without a pet.
Having someone there to cheer you up and keep you company on a down day is just a tiny part of the reason pets are so wonderful, so don’t take it away from your kids.
4. Pets are fun and will get you moving.
Let’s just admit that one of the main reasons you kids should have a pet is that they are fun. They will provide endless topics of conversation, they will bring a smile to your face with their antics, they will break up the monotony of everyday life, and they can also encourage you to be healthier.
Whether you are running around your apartment or house with a cat, or taking the dog out for a walk, pets are a great excuse to get some exercise, and your child will certainly move more around them.
Playing with a pet will also be an opportunity to expand the way they play, it will be great for their imagination, and you will be able to benefit from all the shenanigans they get up to together.
Which pet should you get?
Finally, let me touch a bit on the eternal dog vs. cat dilemma.
When looking to adopt your first pet (please adopt, don’t shop), you may be torn between this perhaps obvious choice. Depending on your lifestyle and personal preference, or the experience you’ve had in your own childhood, you might find the choice quite simple.
Ultimately, it won’t matter one bit. The cat or dog you choose will bring a whole lot of joy and happiness into your child’s life, so don’t spend too much time worrying about it. Go for what feels natural and what you are ready to take on.
There is also a case to be made for having both! There are dog breeds that get along very well with cats, and if you have the space in your home and heart, you can give your child the benefit of getting to know these two very distinct animals.
Of course, you can ask your child to make the choice – but don’t be surprised if they express genuine interest in adopting the entire zoo!
To sum it all up
I hope I’ve managed to convince you there is really no reason for your kids not to grow up around a pet.
If you are not yet the proud owner of a furry (or non-furry) companion, consider this the right time to put out some feelers among your family members, and get ready to invite someone else to share your love with!
Julia is the mom of two girls and two chocolate labradors, a writer by night and a caretaker by day. While she’s figuring out how to set up WordPress, you can read more from her on Medium. Julia Robson – Medium
