Has your child been begging you for a pet? If so, you may have rejected their request because you are unsure if it is right. Adopting a family pet can indeed be a lot of work, not to mention expense, for the family, but did you know that it can also be highly beneficial to your child’s mental and physical health? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits your child will enjoy if you choose to adopt a pet!
When you adopt a pet for your child, no matter whether it is a dog, cat, rabbit, or any other small animal, you will soon notice a positive impact on your child’s development. One of the ways a pet can help with child development is by developing their emotional regulation. Humans have co-regulation and self-regulation. At birth, we are predisposed to seek out co-regulation from caregivers. That’s why infants are calmer when they are held. As we age, we learn to self-soothe when anxious or upset (self-regulation). When you adopt a pet for your child, they will get more practice in both types of emotional regulation since pets can provide comfort and also may, at times, need comfort, which your child may provide by stroking or cuddling with them.
It has been well documented that when you adopt a pet, humans of all age groups have a marked improvement in their overall mental health. Studies have shown that children who grow up with a dog have much lower anxiety rates than those with no pets. It is also true that military veterans suffering from PTSD find owning a dog reduces feelings of loneliness and irritability. Children, in particular, can benefit from owning a pet since petting or playing with a pet can reduce stress. Pets can also offer humor, emotional connection, and companionship, all of which can benefit mental health.
The relationship between a child and their pet is a two-way street. While the animal can offer companionship and emotional support to your child, they also need things in return, such as love and care. This can help children to learn valuable social skills required to interact with other living things. There are key lessons to be learned in setting boundaries, building trust, and showing empathy and respect. When you allow your child to adopt a pet, you are helping them to learn how to form healthy relationships and attachments.
Pet ownership is also an excellent way for children to learn valuable life skills through the act of caring for a living, breathing animal. It is a great way to teach responsibility and dependability. For example, if you have a dog waiting at home and you are out for the day, you can teach your children to plan ahead and ensure they return home in time to feed their pets or take them out to go potty. Tasking your child with essential jobs relating to the care of their pet, such as feeding, walking, grooming, or cleaning their belongings, can be an excellent way to impart valuable life skills.
When you adopt a pet, especially a dog, it can be a great way to promote more physical activity for the whole family. In addition to going out for walks, having a dog can also encourage more outdoor playtime for your children. This is golden at a time when parents are concerned about the growing amount of screen time kids are engaging in! In addition, studies have shown that children who grow up with a pet are less likely to develop allergies as they spend more time outdoors being exposed to allergens such as grass, pollen, and pet dander!
One aspect of pet ownership that nobody wants to consider before the time comes is what happens when the pet passes away. Unfortunately, we seldom outlive our pets, and the loss can be devastating. For many children, losing a pet will be the first time that they come face to face with death and grief. While we would all love to protect our children from this pain, it can be a valuable lesson that helps them to understand loss and may make it easier when they later have to face losing a human member of the family.
After learning the benefits of children having a pet, you may be more inclined to bring one into your family. However, it might not be the right time to adopt a pet. It could be that you are renting your home, and the lease won’t allow a pet, or maybe there is nobody home throughout the day to care for an animal. Whatever the reason you need to delay getting a pet, American Pet Rescues can provide an excellent alternative! When you adopt a stuffed animal from us, you are adopting plush stuffed animals modeled on real rescue pets! Each toy comes with a storybook that tells the story of how that pet was rescued and found its forever home! Not only that, but the proceeds of every toy sold go directly toward funding an Animal Adoption Center in Knoxville, TN. Visit our website to adopt a pet today!
--
Adopt a New Friend Today!
American Pet Rescues is working towards the goal of educating adults and children about the value of animal rescue. Through the sale of our quality plush stuffed animals, each based on a real animal rescue story, we hope to promote awareness of pet adoption while also funding the opening of an animal adoption center in the Knoxville area where we can continue educating others and also provide access to affordable veterinary care.
Visit www.americanpetrescues.org or call 865-800-3697 for more information.
American Pet Rescues is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
© American Pet Rescues, Inc. 2024