Positive Connections between Children and Animals

Posted on January 24, 2024 by CHS

Children today are growing up in a world filled with technology, screens, and gadgets. Because of this, it is vital for children to connect with the natural world. One easy way to help children connect with nature is by nurturing authentic bonds between children and animals. Research shows positive connections between children and animals can have a profound impact on a child’s social and emotional development. Building relationships with animals can also offer opportunities to build motor skills and engage in learning about the natural world. Whether through pet ownership, animal-assisted therapy, or classroom companion animals, encouraging these genuine human and animal relationships can have transformative effects.

Promoting Physical Activity
The need for physical activity is something humans and animals have in common. Owning pets encourages physical activity and outdoor play. Whether children are walking a dog, playing fetch, or simply exploring nature with a cat, these activities contribute to a child's overall well-being and help combat sedentary lifestyles. Going outdoors or playing with pets is a great way to release pent-up energy and reinforce connections with each other

Enhancing Empathy and Compassion
Studies have shown that interactions with animals can contribute to developing empathy and compassion in children. Caring for animals teaches them to be considerate of the needs of others, fostering a sense of responsibility and kindness. Moreover, loving relationships between children and their animal friends can be relied upon because they offer reciprocal sources of comfort and trust.

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem
Caring for an animal fosters a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem in children. From feeding and grooming to teaching tricks, these responsibilities empower children and instill a sense of pride in their abilities. Parents can assist by ensuring that pet tasks are developmentally appropriate. For the safety of children and animals, experts suggest consistently monitoring children under the age of 4 years old. Additionally, children under the age of 10 years old should not be the sole caretaker of a pet.

Therapeutic Benefits
Animals, especially therapy animals, have proven therapeutic benefits for children with special needs or those experiencing emotional challenges. The calming presence of animals can reduce stress and anxiety, providing a comforting support system. Animal-assisted therapy is particularly helpful for a broad range of challenges, such as autism spectrum disorder, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and Down Syndrome.
Beyond soothing children through uncomfortable situations, extreme stress, or other strong emotions, animal-assisted therapy functions as a tool. Service animals can provide support during repetitious tasks, motivate children to reach their goals, and make therapy more fun. Animals can also provide support during family court hearings, or provide support to struggling readers by listening to children read in public libraries.

Creating a Positive Learning Environment
Incorporating animals into educational settings can enhance the learning experience for children. Observing animal behavior, learning about different species, and participating in hands-on activities can make education more engaging and memorable for children. However, bringing live animals into the classroom as pets can be challenging. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) provides comprehensive guidance to help parents and teachers plan and set realistic expectations for connecting students with classroom pets. Early childhood educators can find innovative ideas to offset some of the challenging aspects of having a classroom pet.

Teaching Respect for Nature
A connection with animals also nurtures an appreciation for the environment. Research has shown that children who grow up respecting animals are more likely to develop a sense of responsibility toward preserving and protecting nature as they grow older.
It is important to recognize the invaluable role that the positive connection between children and animals plays in fostering holistic development. By encouraging this bond, we contribute to the well-being of children, helping them grow into compassionate, empathetic, and confident individuals. Together, let's nurture the seeds of connection and watch them blossom into a brighter future for our children and the world they inhabit.

References:
https://childmind.org/article/animals-help-children-overcome-challenges/#building-confidence
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/spring2022/classroom-pets
https://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Zoonoses_Textbook/Assets/pets_in_classroom.pdf
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1324157.pdf
https://luckydogscoolcatspetsitting.com/encouraging-bonding-between-kids-and-pets/
https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-kids-and-pets-day-april-26#:~:text=National%20Kids%20and%20Pets%20Day%20on%20April%2026th%20raises%20awareness,bonding%20between%20pet%20and%20child.
https://habri.org/research/child-health/#footnote-1
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets#:~:text=Kids%20who%20read%20to%20the,guinea%20pigs%20in%20the%20classroom.
https://www.unomaha.edu/office-of-research-and-creative-activity/_files/fuse-samples/phillips.pdf
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/dropping-anchor-on-big-emotions-202110042609
https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-classroom-pets-foster-social-and-emotional-learning
https://pathways.org/topics-of-development/motor-skills/
https://pathways.org/topics-of-development/social-emotional/
https://www.verywellfamily.com/how-kids-benefit-from-pet-ownership-5201854#:~:text=Benefits%20of%20Pet%20Ownership%201%20Reduces%20Stress%20Life,Confidence%20...%208%20Promotes%20Exercise%20...%20More%20items