If you have children, you have definitely heard the sentence “I want a puppy!” or “Buy me a kitty!” at least once (a day). Although most kids want to have pets and they would do anything to get them, as parents we often hesitate to turn their wishes into reality.
After all, a pet is a living, breathing creature and it represents a huge commitment. You are probably worried that your little ones will get bored with it and you will end up walking, playing with and feeding the poor thing. However, before you deny your kids their request, discover how having a pet can be good for your children’s health and development.
Reasons Pets Are Good for Kids
1. Stronger immune system
Children who grow up with pets have a stronger immune system and are not as likely to develop allergies and asthma. In addition, kids who live in the same house with these loving creatures are able to fend off infections such as colds and flu.
2. Learning about responsibility
When kids have daily chores they need to do, such as walking the dog, feeding the cat, cleaning the hamster’s cage or the aquarium, they learn about responsibility, while accomplishing these tasks gives them a sense of achievement. In addition, taking care of a pet helps children to develop empathy for others, which is important for their emotional growth. Here’s how to Fall Into an Easy Routine of Household Chores.
3. Better learning skills
Believe it or not, a pet can improve your child’s reading skills. Maybe it sounds silly, but think about it. Children who don’t want to read out loud in front of their classmates or family are more likely to do so in front of their furry pal.
4. Comfort and companionship
Children who grow up with pets are far less anxious and withdrawn because they find security in their four-legged friends. Having a dog, a cat or even a rat for a family pet can help your kid feel less lonely while you are at work.
Dogs tend to be very loyal and loving, while rats have a strong spiritual symbolism and are intelligent. No matter in what shape they come, pets offer comfort and companionship to children and help them become more confident and happier.
5. Family bonding
Unfortunately, in this day and age, families who live in the same house easily grow apart due to the overuse of technology. If your kids usually sit on different sides of the couch and stare at their phones, getting a pet might not be a bad idea. Having an animal companion in the house leads to stronger family bonds because pets are often the focus of family activities. Playing with the dog or walking it together are simple, yet enjoyable tasks that allow everyone to slow down and enjoy each other’s company.
6. Healthier lifestyle
Sitting the whole day in front of a computer is not an option when there is a dog to be walked or a rabbit that needs to spend time in the garden. Having a pet can promote a healthier lifestyle, get your kids out of the house and make them spend more time being active outside.
7. Lower blood pressure
If your kids are overwhelmed by their homework or exams, having a pet in the house can help them relax and feel more at peace. Petting an animal can lower blood pressure, decrease anxiety, and therefore help your kids tackle their assignments more easily.
8. The circle of life
We want to protect our kids as much as possible from the cruelties of the world. However, having a pet can help your kid learn about the circle of life, and dealing with the death of their dog, cat or hamster can help them cope with other challenging events later in life.
A pet brings joy to every house and your kids could definitely benefit from having a furry friend. Therefore consider this list the next time you want to say “No” to your little ones when they ask you about getting a pet.
More Pet Advice
- Essential Oils and Pets: What You Need to Know
- Puppy Care
- Why Kids Should Spend Time Around Animals
- Litter box options
lisa says
This says it all, Julie Ann, “Some days can be so overwhelming, though, that we must practice focusing our minds on Him that our hearts not be led astray. This is where the Word comes in.” I couldn’t agree more! When my time in the Word is lacking, every area of my life suffers.cat clothing
lisa says
We run with our dogs – I usually run with my German Shorthaired Pointer Rosemary and my husband runs with our Viszla Sage. Rosie is almost eight and I have ran off lead with her for about six years. She is old enough to know not to start out at a sprint 🙂 She loves the fall weather right now and usually is a few steps ahead of me. But being a good puppy, she knows to slow down at streets or if people are coming. senior dog
lisa says
We just adopted a french bulldog puppy and plan to adopt another one in the future. Your dogs are adorable.Best dog food for bulldogs
lisa says
Hi, The fact that the Sphynx is a hairless cat is only a small part of why we are Sphynx lovers. Sphynx cats and Sphynx kittens have very unique personalities. I really do not consider myself an owner of Sphynx cats, because really, my Sphynx cats and Sphynx kittens own me! Sphynx cats and Sphynx kittens love their owners unconditionally. The Sphynx has so much love to give and is willing to love anyone that will allow them into their lives.Sphynx Cats
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The fact that the Sphynx is a hairless cat is only a small part of why we are Sphynx lovers. Sphynx cats and Sphynx kittens have very unique personalities. I really do not consider myself an owner of Sphynx cats, because really, my Sphynx cats and Sphynx kittens own me! Sphynx cats and Sphynx kittens love their owners unconditionally. The Sphynx has so much love to give and is willing to love anyone that will allow them into their lives.pet friendly restaurants
jack says
Hi, The fact that the Sphynx is a hairless cat is only a small part of why we are Sphynx lovers. Sphynx cats and Sphynx kittens have very unique personalities. I really do not consider myself an owner of Sphynx cats, because really, my Sphynx cats and Sphynx kittens own me! Sphynx cats and Sphynx kittens love their owners unconditionally. The Sphynx has so much love to give and is willing to love anyone that will allow them into their lives.Sphynx Cats
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I totally took an impromptu blogging vacation recently, too! It’s really nice to get to live out in the world without feeling tethered for a while 🙂 Having lots of new things to write about it always a plus, too! It sounds like you had a great time visiting with family and friends. Hope your eye is feeling better!Online Dog Store
lisa says
I quite like the sound of living on tea and chocolate brownies rather Frenchie than quionoa salad tbh! Philomena looks beautiful and I hope she will be a good chum to your mum :)) Great recs, thanks – will look out for them both x
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lisa says
I love this! So creative to make a dog house. 🙂 I love that stencil too! I’ve been trying to win it on EVERY cutting edge stencil giveaway I see.Lisa
lisa says
This says it all, Julie Ann, “Some days can be so overwhelming, though, that we must practice focusing our minds on Him that our hearts not be led astray. This is where the Word comes in.” I couldn’t agree more! When my time in the Word is lacking, every area of my life suffers.
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lisa says
I did them in my main living area and they look horrible. I did them just like you did and everything scratches them! They were so beautiful at first and I’m really bummed. We plan on covering them with the tile that looks like wood now that I have a great dane.royal pet portraits
lisa says
Yes indeed, every animal we ever have loved in life is there, young and healthy and living in a loving care-home. There is no time where they are now, so it will seem that literally no time has passed before her pet turns and sees your sister coming to pick her up! It’s all good. There are a few good animal communicators, of course, if she really wants one – Karen Anderson, for example. But, no need. All beloved animals are there and happy – they are not nearly so complicated as we are!mobile pet grooming in naperville illinois
lisa says
So fun to read about your love for pets & those who love pets! You are a real encouragement to write about our precious pets. We are not ready to share yet, but our pets are definitely worth sharing about…hope to share soon!pet portrait
lisa says
Hey guys! I just wanted to give you the heads up that Susan is away on holiday until the 25th, but she´ll surely be stopping by to answer your questions then! For more visit Visit here
lisa says
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So fun to read about your love for pets & those who love pets! You are a real encouragement to write about our precious pets. We are not ready to share yet, but our pets are definitely worth sharing about…hope to share soon!
lisa says
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I just wanted to give you the heads up that Susan is away on holiday until the 25th, but she´ll surely be stopping by to answer your questions then!kittens for sale
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lisa says
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lisa says
I did them just like you did and everything scratches them! They were so beautiful at first and I’m really bummed. We plan on covering them with the tile that looks like wood now that I have a great dane. cute kitty
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I bet you would want to protect your pet from bad food. I’ll have to consider your tips so that I can protect my cat.Dog Bite
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