Monday, October 10, 2016

Children and Pets

A playful dog or a purring kitty can no doubt bring owners (young and old) much joy.  However the advantages of pet ownership go well beyond the fact that they are cuddly and fun. I grew up in a dog loving home.  To me a home isn't complete without at least one four legged family member. Dogs are so good for children! Children that grow up with dogs develop nurturing skills, responsibility, empathy, a caring attitude, and communication skills.  Children who have dogs tend to have improved social skills, and are more physically active. With a pet in the house children can pick up a few pointers and  learn about responsibility. Depending on yours childs age, children as young as toddlers and help with feeding and watering.  Older children can help with bathing, and grooming. Dogs need to go out so, having a dog will keep your child physically active.  A dog will keep your kids active and fresh air is good for everyone. Another great thing is when children grow up around pets, they instinctively learn the right way to approach, touch, and interact with them from the start and it teach them the importance of being kind and gentle. This is also very beneficial for their safety by knowing how to act around dogs. Some dogs if they have the right temperament could be a perfect candidate to be a therapy dog. Dogs can pick up on many things that we cant. Things from seizures to cancer.  They can be good therapists as well.They provide constant companionship and a child with a dog rarely will feel alone. Research shows that children that have pets in the family have higher self-esteem. Dogs provide relationships with our children that give them comfort, esteem, support and confidence. Contact with your pet like brushing, petting, can lower stress levels. The relaxation and relief from stress provided by animals also has health benefits for parents.  Owning a dog can be a delightful family experience and has enormous benefits for the child and family. When Jean first came home she was terrified of our dogs.  It took about two weeks before she would get close enough to touch them.  It wasn't long and she was hugging our dogs and kissing them. Also did you know they are even good for their health? Experts say that children who grow up with pets are less likely to develop common allergies thanks to the early exposure of certain bacteria and therefore become sick less often. 

I guess what I am saying is: every family should have a pet ;)



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