Fish Smarty - because we make kids smarter

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Pets and children

You might have had a pet when you were younger, or might have even given up your furry friend when you found out you were pregnant for fear it might be detrimental to your child’s wellbeing. Yet, now that he is bigger, you could consider giving him a loyal dog, a delicate cat, a parakeet or even a tank full of fish. It might take a lot of consideration because you don’t know if your child is ready for a pet yet. Either you don’t feel like he is responsible enough and that you might end up taking care of it, or you are afraid that the pet you will choose might eventually hurt your child.

A study published in 2000, by New Mexico child psychologist Robert E. Bierer, explored the relationship between pets and children. He measured the effect pet dogs had on children aged 10 to 12 years old. His conclusion was that having a dog has a statistically higher impact on self esteem and empathy.

Moreover, occupational therapist and executive director of Animals As Intermediaries program, Rebecca Reynolds Weil, underlines that through their pets, children learn how the world and the living things are interconnected. Animals stimulate children’s curiosity and they develop a more subtle sense of communication. Children will be very curious about what their pet feels and this will only lead to them developing a curiosity about the feelings of other people, making him empathise more.



They learn how to sense when their pet is pleased, hungry, excited, playful, tired etc. without using a conventional language. Thus, they will find it easy to apply what they learn through the interaction with their animals in their human relationships.

Having pets will enable their fostering skills. They will know they are responsible for the wellbeing of another animated being. They’ll have to learn how to keep it healthy and happy. Once they know what are the basics of being responsible for a pet they will start being more responsible with themselves.

Although you have to insist that your child must be the one that takes most care of the pet, he will never know what to do unless you explain him. Make sure you always keep an eye on him and be ready to step in whenever necessary. If there is goodwill and love for animals your will become a complete family by adopting a pet.

Fish Smarty - because we make kids smarter!

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