Say what you will, but children and pets have an equation like no other. There’s no doubt that those who’ve grown up with a pet in the house, often look back at that sibling-like bond they share with their furry friend. But, sharing space with a pet is a lot more than just creating fond childhood memories. According to Mehezabin Dordi, clinical psychologist at Reliance Foundation Hospital, “Researches have shown that children from families that have pets as companions are emotionally healthy and have reduced risk of developing psychological disorders like depression and anxiety. It is also found that pets contribute to the child having heightened concept of self. They help in improving the self-esteem and self-acceptance in a child, which are indeed very important qualities for the child to have to be able to effectively cope with his surroundings. Studies have also shown that children belonging to families who have pets have enhanced verbal skills as compared to others; that is, they are able to speak well and more fluently, and have more meaningful conversations. Also having a pet can facilitate cognitive development.”
Let’s understand each advantage in detail.
Responsibility: Having a pet is akin to having a toddler around the house. You need to ensure that it’s fed, cleaned, and gets ample exercise on a daily basis. And what’s a toddler without that diaper change? It’s the same with a pet—poop patrol. If your child is growing up with a pet sibling, there’s a good chance that they’ll learn responsibility at an early age. “Children belonging to pet owning families are less naughty, less argumentative, better behaved, and more cooperative. Growing up with a pet instils a sense of responsibility in children. Providing timely meals and talking them for a walk awakens a sense of responsibility and fosters a sense of empathy in the children. When children learn to take care of their pets they soon realise that their pets are largely dependent on them.”
Compassion: Compassion and empathy are considered important life skills because considering the feelings or needs of another living being is vital to a well-rounded life. Says Dordi, “When children grow fond of their pets they tend to take up responsibility of feeding them, walking them and spending time with them. This helps them to understand and put someone else’s need in front of their own. Gradually this habit inculcates the value of empathy in children. When a child begins to spend more time with their pet, it makes them grow fond about each other and s/he understands that they have got someone who will listen to them non-judgementally and will care for them. This also helps imbibe a sense of understanding and respect.”
Confidence: Numerous studies have shown that when a child converses or even reads aloud to a companion who listens to him non-judgementally, it improves the child’s self-confidence. But how, exactly? Dordi explains, “Children tend to feel a sense of companionship when they are heard and loved. They tend to know that a pet will love them and accept them unconditionally and having a pet as a companion helps the child to grow and nurture self- esteem when they have a friend to talk to. Children can have endless conversations with their pet. This can provide them with a sense of being heard, and this in turn boosts their self-esteem.”
Social Skills: Children can often be shy, but living with a pet can slowly but surely make them confident in their own skin, this can hugely impact their social skills and how they interact with their peers. Dordi says, “When there is a pet in the house, children learn to form friendship at a very young age. This tends to reflect positively on their ability to form friendship besides their pet. As pets tend to instil self-esteem and confidence, children who have pets find it easier to make new friends and tend to be more confident when in a social setting. Regular physical activity also plays an important role in the social development of a child. When the child walks the pet with their parents, they get to interact with people, build social relationships and this also provides an opportunity to make new friends. This boosts their social skills.”
Loyalty And Trust: If there’s one thing that a pet can be, it’s loyal and trustworthy. They’re dependent on you for their every need, and your secret is safe with them. “Having a pet has many benefits not only for the child but for the entire family as well. Parents tend to help children care for the pets. Involving evokes a sense of responsibility among children. Eventually the child starts doing these activities independently, and remain confident that their parents trust the care of their furry companion to them. Moreover, a child who is exposed to the unparalleled loyalties of a pet from a young age tends to be loyal not just to their pet but also with other relations,” explains Dordi.
Growing up with a pet has been proven to help the physical as well as cognitive, emotional, and mental development of a child. “For a well-rounded upbringing, it is imperative to instil valuable life lessons in children. The younger the age they get imparted at, chances are they would help shape their thought process, behaviour, their outlook and their overall understanding of the world,” says Dordi, signing off.