Most parents fear having a pet in their home while there is an infant or toddler around. They argue that “no matter what, an animal is an animal, and it will always be an animal”, they think that pets will put their kid’s life in danger. Though it is correct to some extent and animals are, after all, animals. So they can be expected to do anything.
But this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t give them a chance and that you shouldn’t make their space in your home. You should have at least one pet for kids in your house whether it’s a cat or a dog (cats are more suggested due to their calm and serene nature). Because pets have been found to bear numerous benefits for kids when it comes to their physical and mental development.
If you are protective of your kids, then you should take preventive measures for it, for example, don’t leave your kid alone with the pet. But it’s not wise to hang a “NO Pets Allowed” plate on your gate. Doing so would leave you empty-handed from several benefits that a pet can have for your kid.
Listed below are some major benefits that pets offer to children.
Boosts up Confidence
A study revealed that kids with family pets have been observed to show more confidence and faith in themselves than the others. It might sound a little wacky to most people that a pet can be a reason for confidence. But it’s true. Pets do boost up a kid’s confidence. It’s because of that loyal and non-judgmental bond between them both.
A child is never reluctant and feels more confidence and belief in himself when he talks about his feelings and emotion and shows his skills to someone who is equally loyal to him and is not predicting judgments about him.
Builds Self Esteem
Pets build self-esteem in young children, they love them unconditionally, take care of them, and make them feel like they are not even a little bit different from them. They prove themselves to be their loyal companion which helps them build stronger self-esteem.
Stronger Immune System
Pets help build stronger immune systems in kids. Pets, especially the cats’ work as probiotics for children. They help develop healthy colonies of bacteria in children which helps boost up the immune system. Cats also make children immune to certain allergies like asthma, pet dander, and many more.
Raise Responsibility
Cats are a great way to raise responsibility for children. Loving them, caring for them, feeding, and cleaning them up makes them feel like the parents of their cats. When kids learn to understand and fulfill the needs of cats, like food, cleaning up, taking them for a walk, and exercise, they become more responsible. This sense of responsibility also develops empathy in children for others.
Becomes Physically Active
The research found out that children with pets are more physically active and sharp as compared to kids with no pets. Pets keep children active all day long, because both children and pets have the same goal, to play, play and play. Parents don’t have the energy to fulfill this need for their kids and as a result, children spend more time in front of TV and Video games. There are many unseen effects of media on kids. But having a pet around will keep them busy for the whole day and they are less likely to sit in front of the TV or Video games.
If you are thinking about a pet that will keep your kid busy and active for the whole day, then you must go for cats. A cat has 10 times more energy than the dogs. Dogs often get tired after playing for one to two hours, but there is no limit for a cat when it comes to doing physical activity.
Conclusion
Cathi started her blog on cats to promote cat keeping. She believes cats are the best pet to keep. Additionally, having any other pet in the family can be a great addition to your child’s physical development and mental growth. So, stop fearing that a pet might harm your kid and go bring a cute and cuddly little cat for your loved ones. They will surely bring more happiness and joy to your little family.