The Relationship Between Pets and Children: How to Foster a Positive Bond
There is growing evidence that pets، especially dogs، are good for children1. This evidence surely helps a child that is trying to convince their parents to get a pet but a positive bond is not always an instantaneous one. There are things adults can do to help foster a good relationship for both the pet and the child while also maximizing some other benefits of a child having a pet.
Benefits of Having a Pet for Children
According to a poll from the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital، about two-thirds of all families have pets: 76% are dogs; 41% are cats; 24% are fish، birds، and reptiles; and 9% are small mammals like rabbits and guinea pigs. In the poll، 63% of the parents said they got a pet for their child to have fun and a companion، and 57% said it would help teach their child responsibility.2 Besides just companionship، there are many other benefits of pets for children، including:
- Responsibility
- Improved emotional، psychological، and physical health
- Satisfaction in relationships
- Companionship
- Respect
- Loyalty
- Love، empathy، and compassion
How to Introduce a Pet to a Child Anytime you introduce a pet to a child، you need to ensure you are watching them interact at all times. A child should never be left alone with a pet until you know both will be safe. This is especially true for very young children. Many pets can scratch or bite a child، even unintentionally، and children can be too rough or be frightened and hurt a pet if they are not monitored by an Adult.
