Kids develop positive attributes when they interact with pets
In addition to companionship, pets can provide owners with numerous other health benefits, both psychological and physical. The following are some of the benefits of owning a pet.
Children find support and security from their animal companion, which often means they are less anxious or withdrawn. A recent study shows that pet owners are 40 per cent more likely to be extroverted as they receive comfort and companionship.
In addition to being better in social situations they also learn to help others, cooperate, share and interact more effectively later in life. Connecting with a pet bolsters their ability to connect with people.
Nurturing a pet is an acceptable way for boys and girls to replicate being a parent in order to practise being caregivers and feeding and caring for a pet encourages childhood responsibility. Like any enjoyable activity, playing with a pet can elevate mood-boosting levels of serotonin and dopamine.
What’s more, contact with animals can immediately increase levels of oxytocin, the feel-good hormone that lights up the brain’s pleasure centers. Kids with pets go outside more, for walks, and enjoy all the associated health benefits while playing with their furry friend.
The love and care of a family pet forges an additional common bond among siblings, helping children to ward off feelings of loneliness and isolation and keeps depression at bay. However, losing a pet can also be beneficial to kids as it teaches them to deal with loss and other challenges in life.
Families that have pets tend to have fewer doctor’s visits as dogs and other animals can help children avoid a variety of sicknesses such as developing common allergies and asthma.
Pets are actually known to make babies healthier as they bring in more dirt from outside to stimulate the infants immune system.
Previous studies have shown that
Like any enjoyable activity, playing with a pet can elevate moodboosting levels of serotonin and dopamine.
pets help children with autism demonstrate stronger social skills, especially if these animals are dogs. Children who regularly interact with dogs are better at introducing themselves to others and responding to social prompts.
Pets have also been shown to boost compassion, self-esteem, and reduce stress in kids. Animals have been seen as a form of therapy in schools, using them to help developmentally challenged kids to learn.
Schools in the UAE participated in Reading Dogs sessions and students who were reluctant to read out loud at school felt more confident reading to animals as they see them as a non-judgmental pal with paws.
Overall, children seem to benefit in a holistic manner and develop positive attributes that help them become contributing members of society.