Most kids are in love with pets because they are a source of comfort and happiness. Both kids and pets enjoy high energy play with each other. For kids, pets represent safety and security in their homes. It is generally seen that kids and pets are fond of spending time with each other.
Why keeping pets is suitable for children?
Keeping pets teach many valuable lessons to children. They learn different skills like :
Childhood responsibility,
they learn this skill by feeding the pets. Kids are helping pets get to know how essential it is to take care of those around you.
Social skills
When involved with pets, kids learn to develop strong bonding with others around them.
Self-esteem
Kids helping pets are more confident and have high self-esteem compared to those who have no pets.
Love
Loving other creatures is a fundamental trait in this world. Kids understand the value of love when their pets are loving them.
Reduce Stress
As kids are often stressed by academic pressure and other burdens, pets act as a source of reducing stress. Kids take time to play with them and feed them from their busy schedules, and this is how they feel free of worries.
Alleviate loneliness
Sometimes kids and pets combat each other’s loneliness very well. Often friends deceive them or hurt their feelings. In such cases, kids don’t feel lonely by spending time with their pets.
Which age is best to have a pet?
Before selecting a pet, your child’s age should be considered. Mostly it is advisable to have a pet for children when they are at least 5 years old. At this level, they can take responsibility for the other creature.
Best children’s pets
Though there are many pets available in the market, you should consider some safety factors for your kids before selecting one. The following are considered the best children’s pets
- Dog
- Cat
- Turtle
- Rabbit
- Fish
- Birds
Health Risks with Pets
Apart from many benefits, there are some health risks associated with pets. They are as follows:
- Bites from pets
- Minor scratches from pets
- Allergies and asthma
- Breathing problems
- Infections of different kinds
How do make kids stay healthy around pets?
Certain precautions need to be followed if your kids are around pets. They are as follows:
- Washing kids hands
It is mandatory for kids to wash their hands whenever they touch the pets or feed them.
- Keeping your pet healthy
Kids and pets become sick side by side. So, if your pet is having any health issues, go for medical help instantly. In this way, you can save your kid from becoming ill.
- Practice good hygiene
Always keep your pets away from the kitchen and dining table. It would help you to prevent spreading various germs. Make sure to clean the surfaces that are contaminated by pets. Also, do not clean their supplies in the kitchen.
- Teaching kids how to interact with pets
If a child younger than five years interacts with pets, he should be carefully supervised by an adult. Moreover, children should be taught not to kiss their pets to save them from allergies.
- Kid’s Mental Health and Pets
According to research, pet ownership has a very positive effect on kids’ mental health as pets are great listeners, so they act as best companions for kids. Kids who have pets rush towards them whenever they feel down or upset. Moreover, interaction with pets releases some specific anti-stress hormones even after five minutes of playing with them. Oxytocin levels in the brain rise, giving a sense of relief and comfort to kids.
