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Kids and Pets…So many Benefits!

We’ve been spending our warm summer nights at the park with the kids. We jump on our bikes and sail on over. There is nothing more magical than warm summer days, with a warm breeze, riding with happy, smiling kids. I swear, it is pure bliss. Our kids are nighthawks…so we don’t ever leave the house until about 7:30/8pm.

This week we’ve had the fortune of bumping into some of our neighbourhood friends. This family has four kids ages 10-2 and they are just lovely. The recently have welcomed a dwarf bunny named Drako into their house and he accompanies them to the park. My kids are obsessed with this little guy (and I must admit he is incredibly cute). When we come home, all we do is talk about Drako and the kids now want a bunny instead of a dog!

We have two ageing cats in our household who have stood the test of time (and the test of children chasing them). They are warm and loving towards the kids now as are the kids to them. My parents have two dogs, so my kids also have ample opportunity to play with both small and big dogs frequently.

All this brings me to the lovely benefits of pets for children.  A quick look through all the books, clothes and movies your children have will remind you of just how much imaginary animals are entwined with little ones. As I type, I am smiling as I remember our kids saying moooooo and quack for the first time! Animals and kids, kids and animals….it’s just a thing!

Pets and Learning:

Researchers and educators are finding that all children can benefit from the presence of animals. In one recent study, children were asked to read in front of another child, a dog and an adult. Stress levels of the kids were monitored, and the study found that kids were most relaxed around the animal!

Pets and Nurturing:

Pets give unconditional love. They are non-judgmental and gives a child someone to talk to. A pet can comfort, support and listen to a child’s troubles without judgement or consequence. A bet can also be your child’s best buddy!

In terms of your child learning to nurture, pets help in this way as well! Caring for a pet that is dependent on you teaches empathy. Children learn to read their pet’s cues. Are they thirsty, hungry? Are they scared? Are they happy? Empathy is a huge skill to learn and caring for a pet supports that growth.

Pets and Responsibility:

Children can gain confidence when they care for pets. Children as young as 2 (we’ve got one in our house!) can manage the simple tasks associated with having a pet, like filling the water dish.

Pets and Activity:

Pets can get your kids moving! Taking the dog for a walk or run is inevitable. Even with Drako the bunny, the kids let him hop away and they run to follow him and bring him back to the center of the field!

Pets and Communication:

This is something we’ve noticed with our kids. When we are out for a walk, they stop to meet every dog we see. When doing so, they ask the owner what the dog’s name is, how old the dog is and all sorts of other questions. We think is really interesting to watch our kids get more comfortable having conversations with adults and older kids and being comfortable enough and curious enough to ask these questions.

We'd love to hear about your kids and pets! Hope you all are having a great day!

All the best,

Vanessa