Living and Learning with Animals: A Guide for Parents and Teachers
Humans have lived with animals for thousands of years. Today, we continue to do so in many ways. Whether it’s sharing a morning walk with our dog or bringing home a new pet for the weekend, having animals in our lives is part of modern life. The same can be said about having our children live and learn alongside them as well. Living with animals helps us to understand them better, bond with them and gain a sense of responsibility toward them.
Teach your child responsible care with animals
Asking your child to take care of an animal can be a rewarding experience for both of you. This can provide the opportunity to teach your child about responsibility and the importance of caring for others. Kids benefit from the experience of learning how to take care of an animal. They can learn about responsibility, empathy and how to care for an animal’s needs. There are a number how to books on how to take care of an animal that can be used as a guide to help with the process. If you bring home an animal, it’s helpful to read your child’s books about how to take care of pets. This will help you to better understand each other and avoid any miscommunication about responsibilities.
Bonding with animals helps children develop empathy and self-regulation skills
While many humans are able to bond with animals, it’s often the case that young children do not have the proper skills or maturity to do so. This can make it challenging to be around animals. Bonding with animals helps children develop empathy and self-regulation skills. Children who have the opportunity to learn how to be compassionate and responsible toward other living creatures may develop into adults who are more likely to be kind and caring toward other people. A study of one-year-olds found that those who live with pets develop better empathy and emotional maturity than those who don’t. Children who grow up with animals are better at understanding the emotions of both themselves and others.
Animals can help children with anxiety and depression
Many people who have pets report that the experience is helpful in managing their anxiety. While one study suggests that the emotional benefits of having a pet may outweigh the benefits of keeping a tidy home, other research suggests that having a pet can help children who have anxiety. Having a pet in a child’s life can help to manage a child’s anxiety if that anxiety is focused around separation. If your child is worried about separation, having a dog or cat in the home can help to alleviate some of the worry.
Educate children about the environment and wildlife before taking them on hikes or zoo visits
As children get older and start to become more curious about the world, many will begin to become interested in wildlife and the environment. This can be a wonderful opportunity for parents to teach their children about the importance of caring for the environment. If you live in an area that has wildlife, taking your child to visit the local zoo or park can be a great way to introduce them to the environment. You can also read books and visit websites about wildlife, nature and the environment.
