Every child wants a pet simply because they are intrigued by the possibility of having a furry little friend to play with. Unlike their parents, children don’t understand that new pets come with new responsibilities, and the supplies that you will need may cost a small fortune upfront. That being said, kids can experience numerous benefits if they grow up having a pet, and in today’s post, we will discuss some of the reasons why it’s a good idea to adopt a pet while your child is young.

At Ivy League Preschool Academy in Port St. Lucie, our mission is to help encourage early childhood development in as many ways as possible. Our curriculum is designed to challenge your child while also providing them with new opportunities to learn and grow that will prepare them for the next stage of life. Whether you’re interested in preschool education or private education, you can rest assured that your child is in good hands. Visit us in Port St. Lucie, or give us a call to schedule a tour today!

A Pet Can Teach Empathy

In today’s society, so many children get hooked on technology at an early age, from using a tablet to learn basic skills to watching TV. Interaction with technology is unavoidable, however, it can have an effect on your child’s ability to learn certain skills that can only be taught by interacting with a living, breathing, being.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share feelings with another person, and as you can imagine, learning how to empathize with someone is impossible if the child spends all day watching videos or playing games on a device. That being said, adopting a pet is a great way to increase your child’s empathy, and it gives them one more source of interaction. Having a pet will teach your little one how to read their different moods. They will be able to notice when their pet is hungry or needs to go outside. Additionally, your pet may show signs of sadness when someone leaves, or may even be scared of things like storms. Being around an animal that experiences these different feelings will give your child a sense of understanding and present them with the opportunity to react appropriately.

A Pet Becomes Their Confidant

When you were a kid, there were most likely things that you didn’t want to talk about with your parents. Perhaps you confided in another family member or your best friend. Not all children want to talk to their parents about their thoughts and feelings, and having a pet gives your little one someone to talk to who won’t spill all of their secrets. Not only will a pet give your kiddo a friendly face to confide in, but it will also help them feel more confident and boost their self-esteem. A pet will love your little one unconditionally, and this additional source of love and affection in their life will help give them a sense of meaning.

Pets Encourage Family Bonding

During the week, it’s common for families to have hectic schedules that make it difficult to spend time together. If both parents work and the children go to school, then the evenings and weekends may be the only time you get to spend together. When you adopt an animal, they become part of the family, and suddenly you spend more time doing things all together. Perhaps you start going on walks with the dog, or maybe you all gather around and watch the cat try and chase a laser pointer. Even the smaller moments can help you feel closer as a family unit because you all have this one lovable creature in common.

Your Child Will Learn Responsibility

One of the most notable benefits of adopting a pet while your child is young is that it will teach them responsibility. We’re not saying that your little one will suddenly be able to take care of a large dog all by themselves, but they will learn from watching you care for the pet and by helping with the smaller tasks. For example, your little one will watch you feed the pet each morning, take them on walks, let them outside, and play with them, and they will see that the pet has needs just like theirs. Depending on the age of your child, you may even be able to assign them small tasks, or encourage them to lend a helping hand so that they feel like they are part of the process as well.

Interested in Learning More?

There are many ways in which you can teach your child the skills they will need for the rest of their life, and at Ivy League Preschool Academy, we always strive to help your child grow and learn in a fun environment. We offer numerous programs that are designed to challenge your child to reach their full potential, whether you’re interested in our preschool, kindergarten, or grade school programs. Browse our website to learn more, and contact Ivy League Preschool Academy in Port St. Lucie today!