Growing
up with a pet is a wonderful experience for most
children.
Pets are something for the child to
play with,
to hug, to wrestle. Pets love
unconditionally, and owning a pet may be beneficial to many children as
they
help build responsibility, boost self-esteem, prevent loneliness and
provide
comfort to their owners.
“Pets
can teach kids a lot about themselves, about being responsible and even
about
life,” says David Bennett, PhD, behavioral psychologist at Children's
Mercy
Hospitals and Clinics.
But,
before purchasing a pet for your child, make sure you understand the
commitment
of owning a pet.
“Even
though you think of the short-term fun a pet will provide for you and
your
family, pets may live for 5, 10, even 15 years,” says Dr.
Bennett. “Make sure
you are ready for the long-term commitment of taking care of a pet,
before finding
a pet for your family.”
It
is important to take into consideration who will feed the animal, who
will play
with the cat, who will walk the dog, who will watch the animal while
you are
out of town ... all of these responsibilities are important to the
owner and to
the well-being of the pet.
“If the child and the family is ready
to own a
pet, the benefits will be everlasting,” says Dr.
Bennett.
Following is a list of reasons pets are good for
adults
and children:
·
Teach
responsibility. The biggest advantage to owning a pet
is that
pets give the child a sense of responsibility.
Make sure the child cleans up after the pet; they feed the pet
or give
the pet a bath. All of these
things well
help the child learn to be responsible individuals.
·
Promote high self-
esteem. Pets are someone who gives
unconditional love,
which helps the child develop a strong sense of self-esteem.
·
Provide
comfort. Pets comfort their owners. Most pets are huggable, and they
enjoy love
and affection.
·
Prevent
loneliness. Pets help prevent
loneliness
for their owner. They are always
there
and excited for you or your child to come home.
They are a constant playmate, who appreciates when you are
around.
April is
Pets are Wonderful Month
