How Pets Assist In Child Development

Having a pet can be an inspiring experience for your child. From a pet, a child derives an unconditional love and support. He gets a companion, a friend, a sibling, a playmate; who relieves him from stress and provides loads of joy and happiness. Growing up with pets can be a wonderful experience for your kids. They learn how to take care of their pets and develop a sense of duty towards them; in a way it helps in their social enhancement.

The caring and the faithful relationship that child builds with his pet makes him compassionate towards others as well. The pet -child affection has numerous benefits. It enhances child's self-esteem and confidence, increases his sense of personal competence, lessens his loneliness and encourages socialization. All the positive experiences with the pet can help a child feel good about his own self. Loving a pet helps a kid to love and trust his friends and family.

Therapeutic effects of pet-child bond

It is now proven fact that pet relations have therapeutic effects on children. The therapy provides physiological and psychological benefits. It provides over-all development of the child i.e. physical, social and emotional development. They also bring out nurturing instinct in your child.

Social Development: Pets work as social catalyst for children. Generally, kids who have better bonding with their pets are friendlier with their peer groups. Therefore, pets convert socially less outgoing children into sociable beings.

Physical Development: All pets need to exercise and playing with the pet is a fun way to include an activity into your child's lifestyle. For instance, adding to your child's schedule -walking a dog every evening or playing throw ball in the yard makes him more active and helps him in getting rid of sedentary routine. Pets also assist in polishing motor skills in children.

Emotional Development: A pet plays a significant role in strengthening child's emotional development. A pet becomes first point of contact for the child, when he needs to share his grief, sorrow and happiness. Nurturing a pet makes child more responsible and promotes his confidence levels.

So, what are waiting for? Gift your child a dog, a hermit, a gold fish or a cat or horse and let him enjoy companionship of his pet!!!