Post by Danielle on Oct 8, 2015 16:01:28 GMT
Dear Danielle:
My 8 year-old son is absolutely obsessed with getting a dog and bugs me constantly. He uses his high pressure begging technique most of the time and makes a big fuss every time we see a dog. He promises that he will love it, feed it, and walk it. I have a lot of reasons not to get a dog, but I’m not sure if I can keep saying no. What should I do? Is it important for kids to have dogs?
Frazzled Dad
Dear Frazzled Dad:
This is a big decision for you to make. To help you to make the right decision it is important to weigh the pros and cons of getting a dog and I can’t do that for you. For example, do you have the room for a dog, are you allowed to have a dog where you live, will a dog fit into your lifestyle etc…..? These are all of the practical aspects that you should write down on a pro/con list that is devoid of emotion. Does it have to be a dog, or can it be another type of pet? Consider all options and aspects carefully.
What I will speak to is what research says about kids and pets. There is clear research evidence that pets are a benefit to children; to the whole family for that matter. There is a clear increase in the self-esteem of kids with pets; an increase in their reading ability (poor readers can read aloud to a pet in the privacy of their room); and an increase in empathy, caring and responsibility, as they see that a pet requires care.
Research also shows that there are decreases in selfishness, in allergies (especially when children are exposed to pets at a young age) and, best of all, a decrease in stress for the whole family.
Kids with pets (especially dogs) are more physically active and less likely to be overweight, or obese.
Families with pets are shown to have higher levels of interaction and have a basis both for fun activities and for conversation. Further, there are less doctor visits and fewer minor illnesses reported in families with pets.
This is pretty convincing evidence, isn’t it? I have seen and have experienced the difference in children with and without pets. I currently have a dog that I use as a therapy assistant and my clients are much more relaxed and happy when in session.
My 8 year-old son is absolutely obsessed with getting a dog and bugs me constantly. He uses his high pressure begging technique most of the time and makes a big fuss every time we see a dog. He promises that he will love it, feed it, and walk it. I have a lot of reasons not to get a dog, but I’m not sure if I can keep saying no. What should I do? Is it important for kids to have dogs?
Frazzled Dad
Dear Frazzled Dad:
This is a big decision for you to make. To help you to make the right decision it is important to weigh the pros and cons of getting a dog and I can’t do that for you. For example, do you have the room for a dog, are you allowed to have a dog where you live, will a dog fit into your lifestyle etc…..? These are all of the practical aspects that you should write down on a pro/con list that is devoid of emotion. Does it have to be a dog, or can it be another type of pet? Consider all options and aspects carefully.
What I will speak to is what research says about kids and pets. There is clear research evidence that pets are a benefit to children; to the whole family for that matter. There is a clear increase in the self-esteem of kids with pets; an increase in their reading ability (poor readers can read aloud to a pet in the privacy of their room); and an increase in empathy, caring and responsibility, as they see that a pet requires care.
Research also shows that there are decreases in selfishness, in allergies (especially when children are exposed to pets at a young age) and, best of all, a decrease in stress for the whole family.
Kids with pets (especially dogs) are more physically active and less likely to be overweight, or obese.
Families with pets are shown to have higher levels of interaction and have a basis both for fun activities and for conversation. Further, there are less doctor visits and fewer minor illnesses reported in families with pets.
This is pretty convincing evidence, isn’t it? I have seen and have experienced the difference in children with and without pets. I currently have a dog that I use as a therapy assistant and my clients are much more relaxed and happy when in session.