WHEN I was six, I remember our pet dog, Lassie, had gotten out of his cage and chased me around in circles at our garage for quite a bit of time. Since then, I had been afraid of dogs. When Marcus was around seven, he really wanted a pet dog. My daughter also chimed in. They promised my husband and me that they would share responsibilities in bathing, feeding and taking some future dog for his daily walks. So, in 2016, my husband brought home Brad, a black Labrador.
Aside from seeing my kids trying to do their part in taking care of Brad, I particularly found it touching when Meagan would sit down for hours with him by the lanai to comfort him. When he was a baby, he could not sleep without Meagan so she would be there with him until he fell asleep. Two years later when he got bitten by another dog and had a major wound, Meagan dressed his wound and stayed with him as well.
Brad always stayed outside the house. But during this pandemic, Meagan and Marcus promised to read 15 and 5 books, respectively, so that we would allow Brad to be let in the house. I caved despite my fear and, of course, with my dog-loving sister Joan’s prodding as well.
I experienced firsthand the benefits pets bring to kids and the whole family, and highly encourage other parents to consider taking care of a pet when they feel their kids are ready. Petmd.com recommends the age of six as ideal for when parents can assign pet chores to their children. Below are other interesting benefits of pets for child and family development from The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and www.kumon.co.uk.
- According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, children raised with pets reveal many benefits. Developing positive feelings about pets can contribute to a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence. Positive relationships with pets can aid in the development of trust in relationships with others. A good relationship with a pet can also help in developing non-verbal communication, compassion and empathy.
- Pets can be safe recipients of secrets and private thoughts—children often talk to their pets, like they do to their stuffed animals.
- Pets provide a connection to nature and can teach respect for other living things.
- According to www.kumon.co.uk, research shows that reading to a loyal and nonjudgmental companion, such as a dog or cat, can encourage reluctant readers to read aloud, which will in turn boost their self-confidence.
- A household pet can also foster a child’s sense of responsibility, as their parent explains the necessary processes of keeping their pet happy and healthy. As a child matures, they can then take on more of the daily responsibilities, boosting their sense of independence.
- Pets can provide invaluable lessons about life, including reproduction, birth, illnesses and death. This can help to prepare children for future bereavement.
- www.kumon.co.uk shared that pets also provide a fantastic subject for research and learning. Parents can encourage their child to research their favorite pets at the library or during a supervised Internet search. Taking children along to vet appointments or the pet shop to buy food and supplies will support their cognitive development as their passion for learning flourishes.
- It is good to note that a child’s physical development can benefit greatly from taking pets for walks in the fresh air. Even their fine-motor skills can be utilized when grooming and preparing food for a beloved animal.
During this pandemic, according to www.insider.com, pets have helped many people deal with the stress or isolation. Studies show that spending time with pets can trigger an increased level of oxytocin, which is responsible for the feeling of closeness and increased bonding with your pet. It can also increase one’s overall mood.
Mid last year, my sister Joan brought her three dogs to stay with Brad and us: Hershey, their alpha dog, who was rescued by my sister from a building site; Tricia, her mischievous but loving Beagle; and Hermione, another rescue who was a traumatized dog who hid for almost a year and never barked out of fear when my sister adopted her. It was a riot and still sometimes is, and I would not trade witnessing my kids hug and love them as part of our family for anything.
Just last weekend, we welcomed our newest adopted stray dog from my husband’s farm, Jorge (pronounced “Horhay”).
This Valentine’s Day, aside from saying thank you to our loved ones, let’s not forget to also give our biggest hug to our lovable pets who give us their unconditional love and support especially in the hardest of times like this pandemic. Letting a pet into our children’s and family’s life truly brings far more blessings than one can ever imagine.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all…pets included.