Pets are great for children

Pets are family

We have a large pet family, here in our Horsham home. Our pets include guinea pigs, a rabbit, three cats, a fish pond and a dog, life with our 7-year-old son can be a hectic day of feeding, cleaning, playing and having a pet on your lap ‘helping’ out with homework! During these difficult times of home education and uncertainty, a pet can be a real comfort to a child, in addition to teaching them lessons about life, entertaining them and helping with their education and general well being.

It is estimated that half of all children in the UK are growing up with a pet at home, and we regularly call our pets our best friends and even our furry babies! The benefits for children, from babies to teenagers are wide-ranging. The advantages of growing up with a pet range from physical, emotional and social with further positive effects on mental health.

Benefits to children growing up with pets

From those of us in the know, our children regularly talk to their pet friends. Sometimes this takes the form of reading to them, sometimes just chatting to them when no one else is around, and these little conversations can help children. It can give them a chance to share emotions and communication with a non-judgmental friend, making them feel more self-confident and secure. This can also develop non-verbal communication, such as empathy and compassion.

Scientifically pet ownership growing up can help reduce allergies. A 2018 study found that instances of childhood allergies were lower in homes that owned pets. Suggesting exposure to pets can help develop immune systems and reduce allergies in adulthood. It can also be shown to help reduce anxiety, help children with higher self-esteem and social skills. We all know that patting and stroking a pet can reduce stress, this is due to natural endorphins which are released in your body, making us happier.

But seeing this day-to-day I already know that my son growing up with his pets seems more active, as all those pets need attention and walks! But children with pets can also grow up with a lot more compassion and kindness as pets are a major source of comfort and support, reducing the feeling of loneliness. Pets also make excellent playmates, fellow pirates, dance partners and hairdressing clients! Jacob adds “animals make me extremely happy”.

Life lessons at every stage

In all serious too, they also help foster a sense of responsibility, as keeping a pet healthy and happy is no easy task. Daily responsibilities of feeding and grooming teach those smaller humans all sorts of life lessons as does the cycle of life, which can fascinate them as well as educate.

Some of our favourite activities include our pets, exploring with our dog, studying with his homework and the cat, listening to them purr and helping me with their health, feeding and grooming, memories I’m sure we will both treasure.

Would you like to share your furry family?

Join in and let me know about your children and their furry companions:
Share your fluffy families with me on Facebook
Post on Instagram and share your stories

If you feel inspired have a look at some of my other blog posts; ‘I think we would like to get a cat’, ‘Should I consider a rescue dog?’.

Also remember, if you are going to get a pet or have a cat already, to get microchips, vaccinations and pet insurance.

And of course, pets aren’t just great for children, but for the whole family!