How pets can be good for kids

CEBU, Philippines — As school takes a break for the summer vacation, the kids have lots of time staying at home. And parents think up ways to keep the kids occupied and enjoying their time. One of the ways many parents resort to – aside from starting a small garden in the

backyard or rearranging the kids’ rooms – is to bring home a pet.

Some parents are quite hesitant with pets for children. They’ve heard that furry pets, in particular, can cause nasal congestion and breathing problems in kids. But while pet hair can be messy, it causing health problems in kids is rare, and can be easily avoided with proper upkeep.

If parents are still apprehensive about having pets at home for fear that the animals might harm the little ones, then a trained neighbor’s pet can be a good way to start exposing the kids to animals. As soon as the kids are already ‘initiated’ with pets, the local animal shelter is a good source of a pet for adoption.

Caring for a pet has its great rewards for the family, for kids especially. Pets not only provide fun company, they bring many other benefits for growing children as well. It is worth, therefore, exploring ways to incorporate pet-related activities into the kids’ summer in order for the little ones to not only enjoy their time but gain something as well.

Sense of Responsibility. To have a pet to look after essentially teaches the kids a sense of responsibility. It encourages them to seriously think about the pets’ feeding times, health, safety etc. For sure, that will make the kids feel good about themselves too.

Reading Skills. Pets are really good listeners. Kids who are reluctant to read will feel more comfortable reading to pets, because pets do not criticize or judge. Reading to pets can be a good confidence booster for kids.

A study from the University of California even confirmed that reading to pets will actually improve kid’s reading skills. Parents of homes that do not have pets may inquire from a local animal shelter for a “reading to pets” program they may have for children.

Physical Exercise. Children with pets to care for get some kind of physical exercise when they play with their pets. With dogs especially, walking the family pet regularly is a fun way for children to exercise without them even realizing it. Also, each day that the kids walk their pet, they may choose different routes to make it more fun every time.

Money Consciousness. Children caring for pets would become emotionally attached to their wards and want to give them treats every now and then. To do this, the kids will have to carefully stash away part of their pocket money. If not, they may accept pet sitting jobs for neighbors who don’t have time to tend their pets; and they can earn. Many busy pet owners are also willing to pay someone who would walk their pets for them. Children will not only earn money but also learn good money managing skills.

Creativity. In playing with their pets, children can get their creative juices flowing. They continually think up fun activities for both them and their pets. The kids will also be encouraged to device things as toys for their pets.

During summer, the kids may take a breather from school. It doesn’t mean, though, that they have to stop learning. With pets, they can learn many things – without even being aware of it.