According the American Veterinary Medical Association, 36.5 percent of American households included a dog and 30.4 percent included a cat in 2007. Pet inclusion into our homes and lives gives us many opportunities to teach children valuable life lessons. If you are unsure if a dog, cat or fish might be right for you, consider the following ways you can use them to help kids as they grow.
The Power of Empathy
The ability to understand how another being feels is a crucial life skill, but can be difficult to teach to younger children. This can be especially true for only children who are raised exclusively by adults, and who often hide their feelings. Having a pet can help children recognize emotions, and realize their actions affect their pet’s emotions. Petting the dog makes him happy, whereas shouting at the cat will make him run away and hide. Learning to care about a pet’s feelings will translate to empathy for other people, too. It’s not uncommon for small children who are still learning about emotions to ‘pet’ a sad friend who is crying, because that’s precisely what they’ve been taught by their interactions with animals.
The Natural Conclusion of Life
To some children, death is a terrifying, mysterious event. With the exception of horses, some species of turtles, and some varieties of parrot, pets don’t live very long despite the very best care. When a pet passes away, it creates an opportunity to discuss grieving and remembering a loved one. You can talk to your child about the natural end of life, and your feelings about it without it being a scary or scarring conversation. You can also involve your child in the pet’s funeral and talk about how we should hold those we love in our hearts even after they are gone.
Care and Health
Most animals will need to go to the vet at some point, and you can use the opportunity to teach about health and the importance of a balanced lifestyle. Training an overweight cat to eat less can be used to show kids moderation in food and the importance of healthy eating. An older dog with arthritis may need special medication and exercise. Talk to kids about growing older, disease and health through their pet. A place like Brantford vet clinic might allow you to look over x-rays, and can teach kids about how pet’s bodies are much like our own.
Pets have a lot to teach children. By having an animal in the home, you open the door to many life lessons and important conversations with your child. Use the experience to help the both of you grow and learn.
