Benefits of children having pets?

Question

I'm doing an English paper for my college degree in Education. Do you think children should have pets while growing up? Why or why not? Did you have a pet as a child/ what did it teach you? Thanks to everyone who answers.

Answer 1

It teaches them about responsiblity and also about death (on a small scale)

Answer 2

Children should have pets while growing up... IF someone is going to take the time to teach the children to be responsible and respectful of pets.

I did not have pets as a child, other than goldfish, and turtles. And honestly, my mom took more time with them than I did. I was too busy outside playing and being a kid. It might have been different with a cat or dog but hard to say now.

Answer 3

There are many benefits to having a pet as a child. This allows them to learn responsibility, how to love another living creature, teaches them about that specific animal and usually invokes interest in other species, domesticated or wild. Also it has been proven that kids raised with pets, primarily cats/dogs, have fewer allergies since their body is use to the pet dander. Owning a pet also helps them understand the life cycle of a living creature, especially if their pet has babies, and even though it can be tough on them, they learn about death as well. I got my first pet when I was 4 years old, two gerbils named Tom and Harry, then they passed away and got a hamster named Cookie, after she passed away I got a guinea pig named Oreo, and once he died my parents finally felt me and my sister were ready for a dog. So basically growing up with pets has proven to be very beneficial for me and others that I know. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I am still a child and I have a pet right now a dog who is very cute.I spent a little time with him cause I don't have time although every time I've got free time I play with him.We have a good relationship and we are great friends.I had other pets too who were are also great.I used to have a cat since I was 2 I am now 13-14.I have grown up with her and it sounds weird but she learned me serious lessons with her I learned that I must be responsible and I am going t be punished for whatever bad I do.We were friends, she was living in the house and I was passing most of my hours with her.She was responsible for me and seldom I was responsible for her.Everytime she was away I was so worried about her.Unfortunately she got blinded and communication became harder.When my cat died 1 year ago I was so hurted that I couldn't believe it cause I was not expecting it.I still think about her sometimes and I must confess that she learned me how to b so disciplined.My suggestion: have pets!

Answer 5

Yes, I believe children should have pets. It teaches them responsibility at a young age.
I've always had pets. When I was younger, we had dogs, cats, rats, birds and gerbils. Now I have Rats, Water Dragons, Snakes, frogs, a cat and a dog. Being around pets made me gain a love for animals because my parents taught me how to care for them. Now I work in Pet Stores and I am going to college for a biology degree with a zoology/marine science minor.
Pets teach kids a lot, it the kids are shown the right way to take care of their pets.

Answer 6

Children having pets is definitely a beneficial thing for their development. Pets teach kids about empathy, compassion, responsibility, and the facts of life. I had all kinds of pets growing up (both my parents were vets) and from an early age we learned about all these things. When a pet dies, the child can gain an understanding of the finality of life, and if you breed your pets (of course not recommended for everyone!) your child will learn about birth and how babies are raised by their mother. Pets are something that can often be cared for by a child (with help from parents) which can teach them how to be responsible for another life.

Answer 7

As a child I had, 23 rabbits, 2 rats, a whole lot of chickens, 1 cat, 3 dogs It did teach me a lot about responsabilities and caring. Today my daughter has a dog too. everyday when we come home from work, Katlynn goes straight to the dog, gives him food and water. And before she goes to sleep, she needs to give a kiss and a hug to the dog. She is never lonely, Toby stands by her all the time, he plays with her, just like a little sister or brother would. We are about to have another baby and I think the dog will have helped our daughter to understand what it is to take care of someone else that's smaller than her. Not to be jealous when mommy or daddy gives the attention to someone else. It is definitely a positive experience as long as you can be a good familly for the pet and take care of it like it was a child.

Answer 8

I believe that pets are the best company for children, especially for the ones who are only children and have no brothers or sisters. I'm an only child and although I don't have any brothers or sisters I DO have pets (a bunny) and it's the best company for me. It may not understand me but I really love him and it loves me too. It's like a brother or sister to me. In my opinion, children should grow up with pets.

Elias

Answer 9

I can't recall ever NOT having a pet when I was growing up. Usually a cat or dog, sometimes a bird, sometimes a tank of fish, sometimes hamsters, mice and guinea pigs. My brothers always had snakes and lizards. One of my cousins was lucky enough to have a horse, which I was lucky enough to help her take care of.
Growing up with pets teaches responsibility (and consequences if you're not responsible). It teaches how to care for the needs of something besides yourself, and it shows how dependent other creatures can be on you.

Answer 10

Children should have a pet. Me being14 I know! Under recent studies though, children who have pets do way better in school. They also can cope with rough times becuz they have a friend to "talk" to. I have all A's and I can now handle the rough teasing of high school s. Good luck with your report!

Answer 11

I feel that children should have pets. Having a pet when I was younger taught me many things, for one it taught responsibility, and it also taught me the value of a good friend. I have a cousin who had trouble relating and communicating with children her age, her therapist recommended a dog, and it has helped her with interacting with others better.