Benefits of Pets for Kids - Petting Calms Everyone

When my kids were growing up, our backyard was the neighborhood play yard. We had a great climbing tree, garden spots, lots of hiding places and a special “structure.” The girls used it for a playhouse. The boys used it as a club house. There was a constant power struggle between the two groups to see who got to play in the “house.” Invariably there were tears involved. Knowing full well that the elements of surprise and diversion work better than sympathy and negotiation when it comes to tears, I developed what turned out to be a full proof answer to which ever child came crying. Cinder Mittens, our black house cat was the answer. As soon as I heard sobs coming my way, I grabbed the cat in one hand and the phone in the other. I met the child at the door, cautioned him/her to “shhhhh” while pointing at the phone, put the cat in his or her arms and whispered: “She still needs 25 “pets” before she’s finished. Can you pet her while I’m on the phone?” It immediately stopped the tears, calmed the child, pleased the cat and relieved my anxiety! Pets have a way of doing all that. Just one of the benefits of having a pet.

When Kids Are Old Enough to Care for Pets

My earliest memory of a pet is my cat, Fluffy. I was about five. I brought Fluffy to my pretend school room every day. She sat in my doll’s high chair. I liked to dress her in my doll’s clothes and brush her hair. I remember mother told me that I should be more gentle with Fluffy or she’d run away. It wasn’t long before she disappeared. I’ve felt guilty my whole life, but the experience improved my treatment of pets after that. Pet experts recommend that the best age for children to have pets is 8. That’s based on when they think children are capable of assuming for the care of a pet. I believe as parents we are the ones that should care for the pet. Let the children form their own bond with the pet while we model good pet care and gradually let them take over responsibility.

Why Parents Have to Care for Pets

Not too long ago a bunch of us were waiting for a meeting to start and were telling each other about our pets. Steve told us he was thinking of getting his kids a dog but he probably wouldn’t. He said he knew they wouldn’t take care of it and he didn’t want to do it himself. When it came to Jane, who has a golden retriever, she told how feeding her dog was the best part of her day! She taught her dog to wait by his dish until she gave him the OK sign that he could eat. She made “play dates” for him. She took him to special dog parks. Once a week she took him to Doggie Day Care to play with his friends. She told us she “let” her nieces and nephews feed her dog when they stayed overnight – IF they were good, because it was very important to take good care of him. Jane was bonded with her dog and she knew the “secret” of teaching kids what a joy it is to have a pet. It’s NOT a chore, it’s a privilege. So be prepared to “own” the pet yourself and teach your children how to care for it by example. A pet is part of the family. 

Benefits of Pets For Kids - COMMUNICATION

Lots of research has been done on the benefits of children having a pet. One of the basic things we know is that pets help kids communicate. To get their cat or dog, bunny or guinea pig, bird or mouse (etc) to do something kids have to talk to it. Even a toddler will learn to say a pet's name or "Come" or "Sit." Older kids will talk to their pet like their best friend. They'll share their secrets with their pet. Did you ever catch your child talking to his pet when s/he thought you weren't listening? It can be enlightening!

Benefits of Pets for Kids - Bonding With Each Other

Children Bond With Dogs


Researchers tell us that children bond with dogs more than any other pet. The good news is that dogs are known to prefer people to other species - so it makes a good match for kids and dogs! 


Studies were done with chimps and dogs to see which species could interpret human hand signals better. Dogs won, hands down! Chimps did not understand or respond to hand signals given by humans. Dogs, on the other hand, not only responded, they understood and reacted positively in almost every case! No wonder kids are more likely to bond with a dog - and thankfully they prefer them to chimps.  Dogs win!  Sorry about all the puns.

This BLOG for moms and dads discusses how caring for a pet instills positive character values in a child. Pets are a positive, fun and loving experience for a child. Whether your family can have a pet or not, if given the opportunity your child can develop a love for animals that help him or her develop character values that will last a lifetime. Try some of our ideas and send us your own to share!

Connections with Pets Are Some of Strongest In Kids Lives

Some of the strongest and longest connections in a child's life are their relationships with pets! For instance, when families move, their pets move with them but their friends don't. Sadly, due to divorce or death, sometimes a pet is with a child longer than his or her grandparents or even one of the parents. The consistency of having their best friend with them gives children strength and helps them feel safe.