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Children learn so many lessons from the world around them. They learn values and other behaviors from parents, family members and peers. They also mimic heros and other people they admire. But did you know that PETS can teach children valuable lessons that they can take with them into adulthood? Owning a pet has many health benefits, emotional benefits, and even educational benefits that last a lifetime.

Pets are often brought into the family to help teach kids a sense of responsibility and provide a playmate. However, there can be more to the experience of owning a pet for children. Pets teach kids about themselves and the world; how to be empathetic, understand body language and feelings, arouse curiosity and how to view things from other perspectives.

Compassion for Others:
Multiple studies have shown that children who grow up around pets are more empathic towards animals and people as adults. Pets help teach compassion. With pets, children can learn to respect the feelings of others. They learn to tune into pets needs for food, attention and companionship. Then, they learn to modify their behavior to make them comfortable and happy. This results in a deep bond of love and respect between the animal and child. When children are taught to be kind and considerate of pets they often extend this to their human relationships.

Loyalty and Friendship:
Pets can provide children with a constant companion and someone to confide in. According to Robin Elton of Eco Child's Play, "Nearly 70% of children confide in their pets, confident their secrets will not be betrayed." This reduces loneliness, anxiety, helps children adjust to change and also encourages social interaction between children as their pet becomes a topic of conversation. As a result children may become more outgoing and social.

Effective Communication:
We all know that our pets can't really talk to us, but they are good at letting us how they feel through waggin' their tail, whimpering, or even growling to get the point across. Children can apply this to their everyday lives when interacting with others and watching for specific body language.

Nurturing and Responsibility:
Parents often bring pets into their home to teach children how to take care of another living thing. With the right amount of supervision, kids can learn how to correctly take care of their new family member by grooming, watering, and feeding their pet on a day to day basis. This promotes responsibility.

Confidence:
Owning a pet is one of the best things that can boost a child's self-esteem. Dr. Robert Bierer, a child psychologist in New Mexico, conducted a study that showed children "who had pets when they were younger were more confident and had higher self-esteem" because pets have no expectations and fully accept you, flaws and all.

In Conclusion: The Experts agree!

-Studies show that children who have pets make better grades and have fewer behavioral problems in school!
-Emerging readers often feel more comfortable reading aloud to a pet.
-Children with pets display improved impulse control, social skills and self-esteem.
-Pets provide life lessons about birth, illnesses, accidents, death, and grief.
-Pets can actually increase social interaction between children as their pet becomes a topic of conversation.
-Some pets provide safety in a child's imagination and in reality. (Did you know dogs keep monsters away?)
-Pets provide a gateway into nature and the animal kingdom, teaching children to respect and treasure other living things.

Raising kids with pets has many advantages, and can provide some of the happiest memories a child has. However, it's something that should be thought over completely. As a parent the pet is your responsibilities too, not only the child's. Being a good example is the best way to show you're child how to be a responsible and loving pet owner!