Page 32 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 8 2024

TODAY'S CHILD

THE BENEFIT S OF

CHILDREN HAVING PETS

pet is not only a can often be a big step for a family to children find common ground and bridge
lifelong companion, take, but did you know they offer so gaps with other kids they might have
but owning a pet much more than just entertainment? been too shy to approach.
is also a rite of Being responsible for another living thing
passage for a child. can benefit your child’s physical, social Perhaps your new pet will also act as
Whether your first and cognitive development. a social object for your child because
A as a hermit animals are so accepting and eager te
t w
pe
crab, a goldfish, a cat or a dog, it will Playing with a pet will encourage kids to please. Research has shown that animal’s
always be remembered. Getting a pet put down their electronic gadgets and social nature can give humans practice
get outdoors into the fresh air. Aside from for their own social relationships. They can
breathing in fresh air, the outdoor play see their pet as someone to talk to, trust
will mean your child and your pet will get and share an important relationship with.
exercise and burn any excess energy.
Younger children will also benefit Pets also give kids a sense of
from playing with their pet as responsibility, even if they may forget
it will help their motor skills. to feed the dog or walk it occasionally.
Tasks as simple as playing Being given the task of feeding, walking
catch will help hand-eye or cleaning up after their pet will always
coordination in a fun be seen as a chore for your child but
way. it also teaches them to think outside
of their own needs and desires. It also
Aside from the allows the child to see the consequences
physical benefits, that impact the pet directly when they do
your child will also not perform these tasks.
learn important social
skills with a pet. A general interest in the animal will
Pets are particularly also encourage cognitive development.
beneficial for children Their excitement will spark interest in
who are shy, as they the animals’ breed, what they eat, what
may feel they can they like and dislike. This means they
approach other children are learning and once they learn they will
who are playing with their dissipate this information to you and their
pet. Having a pet can help social circle.