A lot of research has been done into households where children grow up with pets. Having a pet during a child’s growing, formative years is known to have several benefits: physical, developmental and emotional. We look at the many benefits of having a child grow up along with a pet… apart from the sheer joy of having a pet and the limitless photo ops that they create, that is:
Kids are happier and more content when there is a pet in the house
Kids are healthier and less prone to asthma and allergies when they grow up with a pet
Pets make excellent companions, specially for only children
Even for children with siblings, a pet can be a best friend and a go between; even improving the sibling bond!
Children learn a sense of responsibility when there is a pet in the house to take care of
Pets understand babies perfectly – even when no one else in the family does!
Pets teach children important social skills – kids with pets are more self confident, socially adept and well adjusted
Children with ADHD benefit particularly when there is a pet in the home
Pets reduce stress in kids (yes kids have stress; yours and mine too!) especially autistic children or children with learning disabilities
Children with pets spend more time out of doors, getting exercise and playing
And then of course there is the fact that kids and pets, while difficult to photograph (they are simply never still are they) create some of the most amazing, memorable and adorable photos ever:
Is there anything cuter in the world?
Or more adorable?
…. The stuff beautiful memories are made of.
