Friendship Between Children And Pets – Being Parents

Pets are a part of most children’s lives. A child who learns to care for and care for an animal with kindness and patience can acquire invaluable qualities. Indeed, these qualities will also serve to improve his social relations with other people. This reminds us, among other things, that the friendship between children and pets is very positive.

All pets can bring fun to children. However, it is important to choose a pet that is suitable for the type of housing and lifestyle of your family. Indeed, bringing a pet into your home is not a decision to be taken lightly.

In the first place, it is about a commitment of the parents, and not only of the child. Indeed, the latter is ultimately responsible only for the welfare of the animal. The first step is to choose the ideal pet for the family. Afterwards, all members of the family will be able to enjoy the good times offered by the presence of the pet over the long term.

It is known that pets are a presence and a direct source of support for their owners. They have a role of facilitator in the creation of friendships or social support networks between humans. This has indeed been the subject of special attention by researchers.

Thus, a study examined the indirect role of companion animals as facilitators on three dimensions of social relationships. It is about meeting other people, forming friendships and social support networks.

The Benefits of Friendship Between Pets and Children

Here are some benefits of having a pet in the home for children:

1. It builds confidence and self-esteem

Children can gain more self-confidence by having the responsibility of caring for a pet. Even toddlers from 3 years old can start to do simple tasks. For example, filling the animal’s food and water bowls. As they grow up, they can then take care of additional tasks.

2. They give unconditional love

This is especially important for single children or when there is a sibling rivalry. Indeed, a pet allows them to have someone to “talk” to and to have a good time with. The animal can comfort, support and listen to the child’s problems without any judgment or consequences.

In addition, when playing, a pet can become the best companion for the child. Often times, friendships between pets and children are as beneficial as those they can have with their buddies.

3. Child development, social development and responsibility

Pets are good for a child’s development, both socially and emotionally. In addition, they help children to have a sense of responsibility.

When you give your child the responsibility of caring for their pet, you are helping them meet their obligations and prepare for the future.

In fact, it is very important that you talk to your child about the responsibilities of having a pet. And this, even before having one. The tasks of the child should be clear to him and he should not rely on his parents to do all the work.

4. Pets encourage physical activity in children

When children play with their pets, it means that they are not glued to the TV or computer screen. Also, having pets has the added benefit of allowing children to spend more time outside the home.

Whether it’s walking the dog or taking the rabbit out to chew on fresh vegetables, pets encourage children to spend time in nature and get exercise. In addition, any type of physical exercise is good for learning and for the general health of your child.

Additionally, research has shown that children who own dogs get an average of 11 minutes more exercise per day than other children who don’t.

5. A good option for children with autism

Finally, be aware that studies have shown that children with autism make tremendous progress in social interaction when spending time with a pet.

With this in mind, researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia have shown a significant increase in social skills in children with autism who have pets. For example, playing with animals allows them to increase their ability to speak, smile, look in the eyes, establish tactile contact but also to have better social approaches.

Additionally, pets are not only good for autistic children. Indeed, they can help any child to develop appropriate social skills. In addition, these skills can then be transposed to human interactions.

Finally, remember that friendship between pets and children is a warm experience. As you have seen, the benefits are numerous. If you don’t already have one, you might want to consider it. Why not offer it to your child?