By Rania Dawud

It’s no secret that kids love animals; their excitement for trips to the zoo is enough evidence, which is why it comes as no surprise that at one point in time, most parents would have had their kids nag them to buy a cat or a dog, or at least a bird or a fish! They just want an animal with them at home, whatever it may be. 

While kids only have the fun side of owning a pet in mind, like petting and playing with them, their new little friend will introduce duties and chores into their lives, so why not use their enthusiasm for the animal kingdom to teach them positive lessons? After all, the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to welcoming a pet home. 

If none of your family members suffer from cat or dog allergy and if you’ve enough space for an extra member of the family, why not take the plunge and get a pet? These would be the lessons that your children would then learn:

Responsibility

Starting with the most obvious point, owning a pet teaches a child responsibility. Having an animal at home, whether it’s a cat or a bird or a turtle, requires work, from needing to be fed daily or groomed or cleaned up after, pets need constant care and attention. This type of responsibility also gives children a sense of achievement, encouraging them to commit to their commitments. 

Empathy

The chores surrounding pets are often tasks related to nurturing. Learning to nurture an animal builds empathy, their love for a pet encourages feelings of affection, loyalty and compassion. Animals are usually sensitive, with emotional and physical needs, and if a kid needs affection from a pet, they need to give it to them first. 

Companionship 

Pets often become an unlikely but cherished friend for most children, as they tend to find comfort and friendship in their company. Feelings of loneliness can be avoided in the presence of a furry friend while it’ll give them something to do, with the possibility that it might be in the form of an outdoor activity. 

It boosts their self-esteem

The sense of accomplishment from taking care of a pet will boost children’s confidence and self-esteem. Their friendship with an animal is unconditional and pure, lacking the judgement that may come from their peers. 

It teaches them about life

With the presence of a pet at home, children then learn about what a creature needs to survive. They gain an understanding of life, death, birth and illness. In the unfortunate event of a pet’s death, children will learn about the cruelties of the world from a safe space.