What do pets do to children? Kindly shares your thoughts

Pets and children - Pets and children becomes friends with each other and develop camaraderie of trust and care.
Philippines
October 7, 2009 3:31am CST
Pets play a crucial role in the development of children . They pose as a playmates to children. They also enables children to dutifully takes responsibility. Pets becomes constant companion and it teach child to learn social interaction. Basically, the social skills begin at home with the parents guidance and letting their children to be friendly with the people and with their pets. Children too becomes so attached with their pets that they learn to be kind and feed them regularly. When a pets becomes sick and sad. The children too learn to form sympathy and learn to be aware of their care. Thus, children becomes sensitive of their pets feelings and extend those feelings with the way they treat their parents and other people as well. Pets becomes a loyal friends to children as they learn to know each other behavior the pleasing and unpleasing situation which a way to learn from it through constant observation. Even adults need companion and children see it through the pets as their companion to avoid being lonely. What do pets do to children? Kindly shares your thoughts. Thank you.
6 people like this
17 responses
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
7 Oct 09
Well we just got a new puppy as our other dogs passed away after they turned 16 years old. and we were in need of a puppy. adn my grand daughter plays with it all the time not sure she wants to take care of it just play with it. As I have tried to get her to remeber to fed and water it adn pick up the poo. BUt she does it only sometimes . Really is good for her to have this puppy!
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
9 Oct 09
yup they did live longer than what thier breed was to live but we took good care of them. and yup this pupy sure is a good thing
• Philippines
9 Oct 09
Hi lakota, wow, that is too long life as my dog pet rarely reach that ages and most of the time it is the cats who live longer than dogs.. yeah, playing with pets is fun as they are friendly, warm, loyal and very affectionate too.. yup, pets are good both for children and adults as they provides entertainment. Thanks for responding.
• Philippines
11 Oct 09
yeah, pets live longer with a lot of care from the pet owner itself and one things to let a pet longer when they are treated fairly , feed on time and never get a whip. Have a nice day
@kun2349 (23381)
• Singapore
8 Oct 09
Well, i dun have a pet, but i guess, a pet brings companionship, and responsibility to a child ^_^ They keep a child happy, and as well as teaching them how to take care of things, and value life ^_^ PLus, a pet can be a subsitution to some things in life, whereby they are not able to get, such as love?? hehe ^_^ PEts will allow a child to show a side of the, whereby they are totally unaware of it themselves, which in turns is a good thing for them too ^_^
@kun2349 (23381)
• Singapore
9 Oct 09
MY mom is scared of pets, including cats.. lol =D Well i do like pets though, but not dogs and cats, rather exotoc animals like snakes, iguana etc.. lol =D Yeah, if one decides to keep a pet, they must be able to take good care of it, and not let it go to waste, or even worse, abandon it!! Those owners are deemed irresponsible as well as setting a bad example for kids too
• Philippines
9 Oct 09
Really, you are not afraid of them especially the snakes my mom hate it most..and iguanas may be better than snakes.. that is true as owning a pets one should treat the animals like a part of the family as when they are neglected tend to be sick and sad to most of the times... Do you have beliefs too that taking care of pets bring luck or when somebody get sick on the house your pet would be the one to catch the sickness thus saving his master from sickness?
• Philippines
9 Oct 09
Why? Is your mother dislike pets or you? As my mother do not like cats too or any pets because of the litter smells bad and they acts like you have kids around have to feed and care for them most of the times...some think of it as an added responsibility..then the worst f you over feed them likely to have a diarrhea then mess my homes that is why I keep my pets outside of the house most of the times.. Yeah, having pets provides security and companionship..then they are very much affectionate, warm,loving and loyal.. then the loony most of the times have pets to provides them happiness which they fail to get from the attention from their friends or family member lack of concern and sympathy..
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
9 Nov 09
I know that pets are incredibly valuable to children's development. My three children and I have two dogs. They are miniature poodles called Secret and Magic. Secret is a lovely playful dog whilst Magic is a loving sort of dog. They like to go with us for enjoyable country and coastal walks. My oldest son loves to play with Secret and Magic. My toddler son likes to stroke Magic but Secret is a bit fast for him. My toddler son is learning to be sensitive to my dogs feelings. My dogs are the best companions I could have ever imagine. Pets teach children to be caring and responsible. I am a primary school teacher. I have had pets in a nursery class; two guinea pigs and a rabbit. The children learned about their needs and care.
• Philippines
21 Nov 09
hi maximax, That is very wonderful to have pets who are both adorable and affectionate. Truly, your kids would really love them just being around with them as they could derive much pleasure by being their constant buddies. Also it gives children joy that they would not feel bored. The things which fascinates me as the pets becomes playful you could really sense they enjoy the company of humans as they are being well feed and receive lots of care. Pets are great companion indeed..
• United States
8 Oct 09
Geez! You took everything I had to say on the subject! lol. I totally agree with you that pets are very important in childrens lives (any pets-fish, dogs, cats, rats, rabbits, etc)...and I feel sorry for kids that don't have them. Pet's teach children so much; responsibility, love, selflessness, values/priorities....so I defeniatly think that all children should have SOME sort of pet to take care of. And, OF COURSE if a child has a fish or some other small animal in their rooms parents do need to check them occasionally to make sure the child IS caring of it! lol. And they need to be involved when their child is, say, cleaning the fish tank or something... FYI: I would say the easiest fish for a small child would be a beta...EASY to clean their tanks (dont need big ones) and they dont need fliters and all that fancy fish equipment other fish do. And they are easy to care for. The most difficult thing about them would probably be feeding them right--feed them too much they could get sick (fin rot, etc)...feed them too little..well, they starve! lol
• United States
11 Oct 09
I have grown up with animals in my life, and I'll never stop having them around me I'm happy to take care of them because they do the same for me!! We have 3 dogs, 3 cats, 2 birds and 2 fish right now. They're all my babies and I never tire of them!!!
• Philippines
10 Oct 09
duck babies - Duck babies are happy playing in the pond..
hi lily, pets really are important parts of every childhood memories as even to the times they reach their adulthood the interest in taking care of the pets never wean..and stop instead they think of pets as a loyal companion,friendly and cheerful treating them like a real family members. Thus, pets in general promotes form of entertainment, relaxation and helps in releasing one stress. Yeah, fish is the easiest types of pets to take care of while in my cases I care to 1 female cats and dozens of lovebirds. Yeah, you are right the only problem with having to care for fish is in terms of over feeding and when the water becomes dirty then have to clean it frequently. Thanks for responding.
• Philippines
11 Oct 09
hi lily, yeah, you are right, pets are great companion and they are sweet and lovable. They show their love to you when dogs waggle their tails and ears when they see you. In cases of cats they keep on following wherever you go and to get your attention some cats like to lick or scrub their furs on the feet of their pet owners just to get notice. They are loyal and very friendly playmates. Have a nice day!
@bjcyrix (6901)
• Philippines
4 Jan 10
Pets are wonderful companions. They provide love and affection when there seems to be no human at present to give that love and affection. Children not only get pets but they also get friends who are always there inside their home. In giving a pet to a child, this can develop his sense of responsibility cause he would have to take care of the pet for real, feeding, grooming, cleaning up, and taking care of it generally. With this, they could learn that pets are not toys that they can keep in a cabinet once they get tired playing with it. They learn that there are other beings who have feelings, needs and wants just like them. So over time, the pets can help in the overall growth of the child. Being sensitive to the needs of others and not just focus on their own. Being responsible with the things that needs to be done. And having a friend to be there for them when they need the company.^_^
@bjcyrix (6901)
• Philippines
5 Jan 10
That is a wonderful description of pets neelia. That is how I view my pets also.
• Philippines
7 Jan 10
yup, pets are wonderful and loyal companion they are like family
1 person likes this
• Philippines
4 Jan 10
That indeed very true and pets are adorable, affectionate than when the whole world already face their back on you the pets would be there to become everyone companion. They are very loyal and sometimes more friendly than humans. Pets live up to its adage as a form of entertainment and they make any dull days happy with their loving presence makes any place comes alive with glee.
1 person likes this
@samrie29 (112)
• Philippines
9 Nov 09
I neelianoscet! I love having pets around and my hubby and I have 3 dogs at home. I just gave birth to my first baby girl and my hubby and I believe that it would be great that she grows up with pets around. We want her to be associated with our dogs at an early age. We both want her to love any type of animals as much as we do and we're hoping she's also adapt the same responsiblity in taking care of them when she grows up.
• Philippines
21 Nov 09
hi samrie, Yeah, pets are great loyal companion as they provide entertainment as playmates to the children. By being able to play with pets and feed them on time. The children could learn a lot of values they could develop understanding attitude and the ability to take care of other beings not just human but animals too. They could also develop a lot of motivation to keep the pets clean by bathing them and as a provider of security as in the case of the dog they could protect owner from bad elements. Your children at earlier ages have been expose to care for animals may develop a sense of compassion and sympathy as they develop values of kindness and caring as the bonding between children and animals develop.thanks.
@livvy092002 (1032)
• Philippines
11 Oct 09
I think having pets teaches children how to be responsible, caring and loving. When they are in charge of their pets, they know that their pets needed caring, loving, and attention. Just like people, pets needed our time and efforts. Give love to pets and we also learn how to be loving toward people. We learn to respect the rights of animals, in the same way, we learn to respect other people.
• Philippines
11 Oct 09
yeah,that is true as i observe pets are like little children too and one need to be responsible to take care of them or else they would get sick and die earlier. because they have their own own ways to show to their pets owner their love by giving a lot of affection and as a sources of entertainment. Thus, they are playmates not only by children but with adults too.
• Philippines
24 Oct 09
Pet serves as a home buddy of children. Children were young and if they are with their pets, they learn how to have a genuine friendship. Me I grow up having cats and dogs. I look at them as my playmate, I learned to believe that there are God created creature that are with me that I needed to take care of and respect. I become jolly person because of them. When I am stressed because I have no playmates to be found my dogs are there with me, just waiting for me to come near them and hug them. they are my stress reliever. And they are loyal.
• Philippines
21 Nov 09
hi greychunny, Yup and they are great loyal companion they are more closer than a rel best friend as they would not judge or forsake you as they would always be around to care, play and have fun with you. And just like having a kids they also need demand support and attention as they also feel lonely when they are lacking. I do agree pets are very affectionate as they could make their owners happy and as you mention stress reliever too.. thanks.
@jezzmay (1845)
• United States
8 Oct 09
They give a child a playmate. They also give a child someone to talk to and confine in. They also give a child someone who will always be there for them, and as you say they give the child someone to take care of and love all their own. Have a great day.
• Philippines
9 Oct 09
yeah, all are true and both children and adults too need pets as a constant companion as they are affectionate, warm, and friendly . Thus, most of the times pets are the most loyal they love their pet owner with unconditional love giving without asking for a favor in return. have a nice day too.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
7 Oct 09
hi neelianoscet hi again pets are great for children as they teach kids to take responsibilty, to have compassion, to love them and be loved by them, to have fun with them and care for them.Children with pets learn to make friends more easily, are more self- assured and enjoy life more. pets are just great for making children into good kids.
• Philippines
7 Oct 09
hi hatley, yup, pets are good and loyal companion never ask nor questioning and is always ready to play with children providing happiness and constant playmates..That is very true children who have learn to take care of the pets do the same things with the way they treat people, friends or parents with out most respect..
• Canada
8 Oct 09
My dad told me this story about his dog Jube and I. I apparently liked to snuggle up with Jube all the time and apparently Jube didn't really like that too much. Well one day my parents couldn't find me, it seemed to be a regular thing that happened to me. Anyway they looked all over the house for me and found me lying on top of the dog between the washer and the dryer. Jube never protested.
• Philippines
9 Oct 09
Your dog is kind and treat you right. That is a funny story and you could even pass it to your kids as well thus having pets bring much joy and gladness. They are great companion, affectionate and loyal friends. Thanks for responding.
• Philippines
7 Oct 09
hello neelia, Pets can be inspiring to children because they will have some one in the family to play with even though they're not blood related. if the siblings are busy they can spend time with the pet and the animals loves quality time with their boss, they get to be lonely when they're not getting the attention they need
• Philippines
9 Oct 09
hi letran, Yeah that is true and even to us..adults could also makes them as our companion as pets are very loyal sometimes more affectionate than a real friend.. thus, pets are here to stay makes anyone happy and eases boredom..
• China
7 Oct 09
Sometimes I Just think that pets are almost our kids. They can talk, they are cute, they cant't smile, they give us happiness. And naturally, they should have the smallest distance wo our children. They have so much in common and so much to share.
• Philippines
9 Oct 09
Yeah, all pets are cute and i like them to cuddle and they response with me and what I like them best.Pets are loyal friend, and very affectionate sometimes more cheerful than your real best friend. Children really brighten and you could see in their eyes they are very happy having fun with friendly pets. Thanks for responding.
@nra091501 (173)
• Philippines
8 Oct 09
I would really love my kids to have pets. Unfortunately, we can't have dogs or cats because my little boy has asthma. So what the kids suggested is a fish, but due to certain circumstances we still don't have one. So what I did was to let my kids play with Insaniquarium or Fishworld at Facebook lol... they can start with that, right? :)
• Philippines
9 Oct 09
My mom too hate pets but I mange to keep her understanding open that pets are lovable but she hate the clean up process as taking care of pets requires a lot of attention likes rearing a kids. In your cases it is an exemption as your daughter have asthma it is really a must to avoid pets as their furs is an allergen. yeah, those games in facebook is very addictive and they are quite fun to play with...Thanks for responding.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
7 Oct 09
Hi neelianoscet, You have said it so well that I don't feel there is much that I can add but I agree with all that you say here. Pets can be great companions and we can all learn from them. I think that every child should have a pet as soon as they are capable of caring for them and it would help to shape their life for the better. Blessings.
• Philippines
7 Oct 09
Hi pose, yeah, having the ability to care for pets and owning them teach children to becomes responsible in caring and feeding. It teaches children the values of being kind to animals, extending this beautiful traits not only to the animals but also to the way a children socialize with her neighbors and playmates.
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
7 Oct 09
I have four pets, two cats, a dog and a bird and my little seven year old girl has had them in her life since she was born, in fact except for the bird, the pets are older than her! She loves animals just like I do and she has great respect for them. She is aware of health issues with them too. One of our cats has been quite sick and it didn’t look good for a while there and my daughter lived through the experience with great compassion. She cried when we lost a bird once and her little friend’s family had a 14 year old dog they had to put to sleep due to illness and she cried for him as well. These incidents are sad but she gets a lot of joy from the pets too and she definitely has learned nurturing and compassion; she’s a very caring little girl and I wonder how much of that is due to all our animals and how much we care for them.
• Philippines
7 Oct 09
Hi paula, I too is a animal lovers and when i away at home or in travel I have to call my companion in the house to remind them to feed my pets 3 times a day. As I could not really enjoy going out knowing that my pets are hungry and need to take care of them like babies or children. I treat them as part of my family. I also have pets and have 1 female cat and dozens of love birds. I love to feed them everyday as they are really affectionate especially the cat is very endearing and love to hug her fur while circling on my feet. While,the lovebirds, everyday have to feed them and look on their feathers while swaying on the branches with their mate. It really makes my day cheerful. It is also true having pets in home reflected the personality of the person as the manners she treat an animals reflects also the attitude of the person as kind, caring, loyal friend and respectful. Your daughter is so lucky to have you as her mother as you allow her to have her own pets as some parents are wary of having pets around as they think of some pets may endanger their children, for examples afraid the pet would bite or harm their children. So it is also good to choose pets which could easily follow command,obedient and friendly that you could trust to leave with them your children playing around with them. Your daughter really develop a close bonding with her pets, thus develop sympathy and compassion which all a good traits..Thanks for responding.
@amyson (3498)
• Philippines
7 Oct 09
well having pts in our home makes us lively.pets give happiness on his master.i personally play my cat purr by touching it and carrying him it gives to much happiness.pets actually relieves me from stress.talking to them,feed them really gives me time to care for my pet.yes pets are good companion anytime.i wish that my cat live longer..best luck..
• Philippines
7 Oct 09
Pets could be a companion by children and serves also as playmates in cases the child have few real friends. It is during childhood that children becomes playful that they learn to react to become friendly and sociable at the same time.