It’s cabin fever season here in Minnesota. Your kids are telling you countless times a day that they’re bored. They’ve also been bugging you for a pet. You’re concerned it will only be more work for you. But there are reasons you might want to listen to your kids. Here are just a few ways pets positively impact children in particular:
Mental Health
There are countless studies about how pets provide connection and improve the mental health of children and adults. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, growing up with a pet correlated with lower rates of anxiety in kids.
Social Skills
Pets offer critical lessons around connection, respect, empathy, and boundaries. Playing with pets allows children to build trust and form healthy attachments based on cues.
Responsibility
Pets need care, and provide the PERFECT opportunity to introduce chores and responsibility. Kids can routinely feed, water, brush, train, or let the pet out. By passing these chores on to your child, you give them a sense of empowerment.
Tolerance
Let’s face it; pets don’t always do what we ask. Think of that pair of shoes you loved before your furry friend chewed holes in them. Pets have their own distinct personalities. Many will show fear and make mistakes. This behavior allows children to see they can’t control others, must tolerate imperfections, learn to forgive, and help teach new behaviors with patience.
Loss and Grief
Most adults who have loved and lost a pet have learned how to deal with grief. When a child loses a pet, it is difficult, but it provides a lesson in the grieving process and opens the door to communication about emotions and healing, critical conversations to have with your children.
Activity
Pets, especially dogs, can encourage children to be more active inside and outside through walks and play. Additionally, playing with a pet allows for real connection and time away from screens.
Social Responsibility
When your family is ready to welcome a pet into the home, it provides the opportunity to talk about pet overpopulation and the option to foster or adopt a pet from a rescue or shelter. At Ruff Start Rescue, we have many amazing animals waiting for their forever homes and always encourage families to consider adoption for their next family pet. Learn more at: www.ruffstartrescue.org
By: Azure Davis, Executive Director of Minnesota’s Ruff Start Rescue
