Can I Get A Dog? – How getting a pet can help your child develop

 So your child is begging for a pet, they want a puppy, or a kitten, or maybe a turtle? What exactly is keeping you from saying no? Is it the fear of having to take care of the animal? Or maybe it’s the fear of having to deal with bereavement. I will tell you one thing, between the playtime, and cuddle companion, the rewards work both ways.
1. Responsibility: Your child will learn to be responsible, from feeding, exercise, affection, and clean up. Your child will learn the value of having to take care of another life.
2. Compassion: Kids will also learn to be compassionate towards others, and understand empathy towards others basic needs.
3. Bereavement: When your pet passes away, your child will feel the affects of what loss is, it will help them lean how to cope better during a bereavement period.
4. Self-Esteem: Pets show unconditional love, and it can be a great boost to a child’s self-esteem, as well as the satisfaction hat comes from having responsibility and caring for pets.
5. Physical Activity: Children who own a big dog especially, will need to learn how to do daily physical activity, like taking a walk or playing fetch. Because they will be constantly outside with their pet they will be more likely to engage in physical activity when they get older.
Having a pet will allow your child to be selfless, and how to take care of another individual while developing life skills, and having a close friend. While your child starts to benefit and grow, your entire family will as well! So next time your child is begging for a pet reconsider the life lessons and values that can be taught along with the new family addition.