Since a good educational intervention must develop the totality of person, the family context also plays a big role. Pets are part of that context and represent a very useful lever to foster a child’s growth. That’s why I’m talking about it.
For example, sometimes the families of children I’ve helped had dogs or cats, and their parents would tell me that despite the child’s difficulties in relating to others, the relationship with pets was very affectionate.
In these situations, I helped children to overcome their difficulties (in learning, in relationships, in self-control, etc.), starting from the relationship with their pets.
Our pets are indeed much more than simple companions. But why are they considered family? There are many reasons why pets are so important to families, let’s delve into them.
1. Pets are family too: why pets should be treated like family members
Pets represent something particularly important, in many aspects they are true family members. In fact, they offer companionship to parents and children, give them a strong sense of security and, above all, establish emotional bonds with them.
These are some of the reasons why it is important to treat them as such. This means providing them with proper nutrition, exercise, and appropriate medical care; but it especially means showing them love and attention, and creating a comfortable and safe living environment for them.
All this investment of attention is then returned, because anyone who has experience with animals at home knows how special the bond established with people can be. When pets are treated as family members, they understand that they have a specific place and, in many cases, also a role to play.
Without taking away from other animal species, the most typical example is dog, which in the family needs to understand its role and feel like part of the pack. Unfortunately, not everyone treats their pets as family members. Some people see pets as objects.
That is not what I recommend if your goal is to enrich the growth opportunities of your family and children. In fact, if you have read my book Fearless Parents Method, you certainly know how important it is to invest in experiences like this to effectively increase the well-being of all family members and therefore the opportunities for personal fulfillment of each one.
2. How to take care of pets as part of your family: tips for preschoolers and beyond
Now that we have shared the importance of considering pets as part of family, I would like to suggest some ideas on how to do it. I am not an animal expert, but having always had many pets at home, I have been able to appreciate the value they have for children’s education and to support the difficult role of parents.
First of all, you will easily understand that taking care of pets is a very important responsibility, and it is something that even the youngest children can learn. From preschool age onwards, it is possible to teach them how to take care of pets in a fun and educational way.
The first step in getting children involved in taking care of pets is through play, especially when it comes to puppies or kittens. Play allows the animal to get the exercise it needs and develop motor skills and control; a special bond is created between them and the child, which accompanies the child for many years enriching them with experiences.
Dogs need daily walks, and this helps to strengthen the bond, as well as taking care of nutrition and hygiene. Involving children in this type of activity helps them to take on responsibilities.
There are also other pets, such as birds and fish, or hamsters, with which children can find important stimuli.
3. The benefits of pets as family members: how pets can enrich and strengthen family bonds
Teaching children how to take care of pets can be a rewarding experience for the whole family, as it creates spontaneous opportunities for interaction that contribute to enriching and strengthening family ties.
This is largely due to the sense of stability that family life gains from the routine generated by pet care. I am thinking, for example, of aspects such as taking the dog for a walk, cleaning the fish tank, fixing the bird or hamster cage. Sharing these tasks unites all family members and establishes a sense of regularity in the whole family life.
Another important aspect is related to the ability of pets to help people reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can be particularly valuable during times of crisis or difficulty.
Spending time with pets has even been shown to lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. If you are considering getting pets, also consider their impact on quality of life due to all these aspects.
