Reasons pets benefit children, families

Children and pets have a natural affinity for each other.

Pets can also teach a child about love, responsibility and empathy and support a shy child. Whether that pet is a dog, cat, gerbil, fish, bird or something else, they can enrich a child’s life. Children with pets have been linked to helping their cognitive development, positive social skills and higher self-esteem. Pets do not pass judgment; they offer unconditional love to a child.

Bringing a pet into your home, no matter the pet’s size, comes with great responsibility. If you are considering a pet for your child or children, there are things to consider beforehand. You should ensure your children are old enough to help with the responsibility of pet ownership. If they are not, the day-to-day obligation will be added to your daily routine. There will be financial obligations for the pet, and those factors should be reviewed and even researched. When or if your family goes on vacation, you must have a plan for your pet.

Kids love pets and most consider them cherished family members. Walk through any classroom where children have been asked to draw a picture of their family. Many of those pictures will include the family pet. The image may consist of a happy skateboarding dog, fish wearing party hats, gerbils dancing or cats driving cars. Children often celebrate their pet’s birthdays and make or buy them Christmas gifts.

Pets can also offer great comfort to a child if they have had a bad day. These children often whisper their most private secrets to their beloved pets; secrets they wouldn’t share with anyone else.

Having a pet can be fun for your child, as the pet can bring much joy into their lives and homes. But the pet also teaches a child to have respect for other living beings. Having a pet can also prepare a child for loss, as losing a pet can be their first experience in grieving.

Please consider bringing a pet home, especially if you have children. But ensure you make a responsible and educated choice for your household. Your children and potential pet depend on you to make the best possible decision.

Please be kind to animals.

ELIZABETH ANDREWS Porsche was a beloved member of Tracy Jessiman’s family. Jessiman knows first-hand how much a pet adds to a family, but reminds people of the great responsibility that comes with them.