Home & Lifestyle Autumn 2018

Children raised with pets showmany benefits D eveloping positive feelings about pets can contribute to a child’s self-esteem and self- confidence. ... A good relationship with a pet can also help in developing non-verbal communication, compassion, and empathy. Pets are good for child development, social and emotional development and they help teach kids about responsibility Children are naturally attracted to animals, whether they’re cartoons, stuffed animals or the real deal. Adults should nurture that animal attraction even as we supervise it for safety. No infant or young child should be left alone with a pet, and all children need to be taught how to pet and hold an animal — and when to leave the family pets alone. Adults should focus on teaching what’s “right,” not what’s “wrong.” Children should be taught to respect animals but not fear them. As children grow older, many of them want to help animals — and we should let them. This is just another way to allow animals to assist in teaching life’s most important lessons: compassion and generosity. If your family’s pets are too often lost in the shuffle of school, soccer, and dance lessons, it’s time to look at moving them up in the priorities. Pets should and must be cared for, just like the rest of the family. While pets should never be left to the exclusive or primary care of a child, children can certainly take an active role in pet care and training. Don’t make tending to the pets a “have to;” use your words and behaviour to model pet care as a “want to,” a loving gift to an animal who’s counting on you and your child. Assign realistic, age-related tasks, and be supportive of your child. This is important because it sends your child the message that someone else relies on them.

& Lifestyle Magazine | Autumn 2018

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