The Benefits of Having a Pet at Home
A dog, a hamster, goldfish, a turtle, a parakeet … What child has not ever asked your parents for a pet? Introducing a new and ‘furry’ family member is a big decision that involves a great deal of responsibility, and should not be taken lightly: the budget, the desire to care for, the size of our home, the amount of time we have free … have the time to opt for one or another variety or race.
One of the factors that influence parents who are considering adopting a pet is the age of the ‘sin’ of the house, although it is an obvious fact that having an animal benefits children in countless levels of emotional, cognitive and social These benefits vary substantially depending on age. For example, babies and ‘kids’ toddlers, enjoy more of the sensory aspects of the animals: the brightly colored plumage of birds, the softness of the fur of a cat or dog, the hypnotic effect of an aquarium filled with goldfish …
In preschool children, emphasizes the emotional, as there is a greater intensity in the relationship between them, while their immune system is strengthened by contact with the animal, preventing allergies in adulthood. Older children finally learn to establish new habits of responsibility to help with their care, and are more likely to participate in family activities or to include new forms of outdoor exercise into your daily routine.
Of course, when adopting a new friend, it is important to consider when it produces the arrival of the family: if the pet was with us before our children, it is important to note that the animal may develop jealousy, so it is worth changing their habits before the arrival of the baby or child. If the order of arrival at home is the contrary, it is vital to explain to children that a pet is not a toy, and has its needs such as eating, sleeping, rest and have their own space.