I grew up with dogs. My family had two golden retrievers named Chloe and Tessie. They were the best dogs, so loving and gentle. Throughout my childhood, I experienced the love from a pet, and most importantly, I developed a love for animals. My parents taught my brother and I to respect nature and those living things that could not stand up for themselves.
Today, I am the owner of a three-month-old kitten named River. Chloe and Tessie passed away a while ago now, but their lessons help me take care of River.
As an infant and young child, I benefited heavily from having a pet in my life. Pets are shown to influence childhood development in a positive way.
Pets can provide lessons on birth, death, reproduction, and illnesses
Pets can promote exploration, sensory development and curiosity
Pets can encourage patience, responsibility and empathy
Pets introduce children to nature and help build respect towards living things
Pets teach children about love, affection, friendship, and loyalty
Pets provide an emotional companion for those with sensory sensitivities, trauma, anxiety, and/or stress.
AND pets can boost literacy development!
Yes! Pets can encourage reading! A child who reads to a pet, whether it's a dog, cat, rabbit, snake, goldfish, or horse, can increase literacy skills such as fluency and confidence. Pets can encourage reading by providing a safe space for learning and confidence building. Animals are shown to reduce anxiety, and if your child is hesitant towards reading, an animal might encourage them!
There are so many benefits in having a pet for a child. For me, the utmost lesson is in love and companionship. The animals and pets in my life showed me the highest level of devotion and security. I am a steadfast believer in animals being our truest friends.
Check out these books featuring our favorite pets. They are wonderful reads about companionship and the love we have for our furry friends.
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