Sunday, November 25, 2007

How Owning A Pet Teaches Your Children Responsibility And Builds Confidence

Article Title: How Owning A Pet Teaches Your Children
Responsibility And Builds Confidence
Author: Elise Rogers

Some people say that every boy should own a dog. It certainly
agrees with the classic American family: Dad, Mom, Son,
Daughter, and their dog. Though not all families are able to own
a pet, children benefit in many ways because of this canine
familial addition.

To begin, owning a dog benefits the physical health of
children. How? Scientific studies have shown that when a person
pats a dog or strokes a cat, their blood pressure lowers. This
helps relax the child and relieves stress after a long day at
school. Some studies have also shown that children who own a
pet, particularly a dog, have more highly developed immune
systems than children who do not own a pet. This is most likely
because children are not afraid to hug their dog and smother
their face in the not-always-clean coat of their dog; by doing
this, children are able to slowly build and strengthen their
disease and sickness fighting abilities.

Next, children whose families own pets have been shown to
display higher levels of empathy and kindness in comparison to
children who do not have a pet. Children with pets also display
higher confidence levels; this may be because dogs are
confident, non-judgmental creatures, and children unconsciously
copy their dog's finest traits. Also, studies have shown that
children who own pets possess an affinity for understanding and
communicating non-verbally. This is most likely because children
talk to their dogs, and Rover in turn communicates through his
body language, which kids learn to understand.

Here is a positive benefit to owning a pet that may interest
parents: owning a cat or dog teaches children responsibility.
When owning a dog, a child realizes that dogs have needs that
must be met. Mom and Dad can help by teaching the children to
put dog food in Rover's bowl, let the him out into the fenced
backyard to do his business, and taking him on walks for
exercise. Kids realize that responsibly includes taking care of
others, not simply brushing their teeth at night, doing their
homework, and cleaning their room. Eventually, children will
have families of their own to take care of; start them early by
helping them take care of the family dog. Also, children are
able to understand that if they do not take proper care of their
pet, they will lose their best friend. The responsibility of
caring for a pet fosters lifelong benefits for growing children.

Finally, many parents believe that owning a pet simply
increases the quality of life for their children. Children who
have pets often grow up with them because the dog acts as a
member of the family. A pet provides an at-home friend, someone
to greet them when they get home from school, someone to play
catch with, watch TV with, and someone who is there for them
when they are sad or hurt. Dogs certainly are a comfort and a
joy for children. The benefits of owning pets for a child's sake
are endless. Who doesn't want their child to experience the best
life has to offer?

About The Author:
http://www.discount-pet-mall.com/pet-supplies/dog-beds/
http://www.discount-pet-mall.com/pet-supplies/elevated-dog-feeders/

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