Children should grow up with animals

I cannot remember a time when I didn’t have an animal in the house. I have had a wide range of experiences when it comes to animals: snakes, bearded dragons, geckos, chameleons, fish, dogs, and somehow a coyote (my five-year-old self could not tell the difference between that and a puppy). All of these animals were a part of my life at some point and there was compassion that developed from my love for them and the innate ability to find animals—or, rather, have animals find me. After finding six boxes of animals abandoned in my hometown in a matter of three months, my dad had to rescind his words of “Bring home ANY animal you find abandoned.” 

If you are unable to afford, care for, or have animals for one reason or another, there are always exceptions, but I believe allowing kids exposure to animals could be beneficial if you are able. The benefits of animals in a home are numerous socially, mentally, and physically.

Responsibility: It teaches kids how to care for their friends as well as teach them a sense of responsibility towards something other than themselves.

Compassion: Learning to care for something other than yourself, especially from a young age, can offer many benefits in long-term relationships. One study reported by the New York Post shows, “little ones who grow up around and actively engage with dogs, from regularly going on family dog walks to playing with the pet, were not only less likely to have difficulties with personal conduct and their peers but also were more inclined to share and cooperate.”

Companionship: I often spoke with my animals as if they could understand me, and I still do as an adult because communication with something that doesn’t talk back or tell you you are wrong is often invaluable when you talk yourself through something. This of course is excluding my cat, Queen Opal, as she talks back more than anything. Talking to animals also allows kids to build up self confidence and self-esteem. There many cases in the news of kids who had been non-verbal interacting with animals, creating opportunities for them to engage with their environment and eventually possibly start speaking.

Increased health benefits: Especially in the aspect of exercise, animals like dogs require walks and exercise, much like humans. Allowing kids to build healthy habits can lead to life-long learning and healthy patterns.

Sympathy/empathy: Engaging with animals allows kids to learn what it means to care for and love something. Unfortunately, though, animals are not immortal, and as sad as it is, kids learn to deal with loss; however, they also learn that those memories never leave their heart. While it might be sad, they have those memories to cherish, and perhaps one day, they can change another animal’s life once they heal from that loss.

There are many studies out there that suggest the many benefits of animals. I think it is definitely an experience that children should have to engage with animals if they are able. If you can’t own an animal, there are therapy animals, service dogs, and emotional support animals (ESA), for example. I think all kids should be able to experience life with a pet to cherish.