Imagine how boring life would be without the company of pets. Many people have a pet or pets that they grow up with in their childhood. No matter what the animal is, pets have a lot of benefits for kids growing up and for teenagers and young adults as well.
Dog
The number one option is incredibly basic but very much needed: a dog. It is beneficial for all kids to grow up with a dog. They reduce loneliness, they help with social skills, and they are so fun for kids to play with. For teenagers, they help with mental health. Besides, who would not want a cute little (or big) dog walking around their house? I get the best of both worlds with a little, white, crusty dog and a huge, adorable dog. It is great because I am never alone, so having a dog comes with many benefits beyond the science of it.
Cat
A second, very basic animal to have roaming your house is a cat. Cats are underrated, and you do not have to be a crazy cat person to want a cat around. Cats can be stereotyped to be boring and lazy. I know this is not true because I have a cat of my own. She is very playful and amazing to have around. Cats are the type of animals that somehow always know when their person needs comforting. Cats are great for helping people through mental instabilities, simply by just being there. So, instead of judging cats from now on, learn that they can help bring joy to people’s lives.
Fish
This one might be strange, but little swimmers can be a real benefit to kids. Fish will teach kids a lot of responsibility. And, for fish, there is nothing to clean up often because they live in a little tank or bowl. Kids will learn how to take accountability and show responsibility by caring for the fish, since they are very low-maintenance but still need some attention.
Bunny
A little furry creature is always fun to have around. Bunnies are another great pet to help teach responsibility to kids. They definitely need lots of attention, but they are such a reward at the end of the day for many children. From personal experience, it is so fun to be able to have a little critter hopping around and keeping you company.
Hamster
Every little kid would love to have a hamster running around their house. Hamsters are not too high-maintenance, and they are very small and durable, some might say. Something about them is that if they die while in the care of that child, it will teach the child grief. Grief is an important thing to know because at some point, everyone has to go through intense grief. Teaching lessons of grief at a young age can be healthy because it can teach children how to cope with more serious grief later on.
In the future, when your kids ask for a pet, let them have one. They teach such important lessons to children growing up. I can say this from personal experience and also from proven facts. If you grew up in a household with no animals, change that tradition. And if you grew up in a house with animals, you know how lucky you are.
