Whether we’re discussing cats, dogs, rabbits or chickens, I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that animals have huge benefits for children in their development years, as many of us are animal lovers and already know the unconditional love they share. The good news is that a child’s well-being is also increased from interactions with animals, as they learn, play and empathise with them.
As your child starts their education, selecting a nursery can be tricky, however, it’s good to know how forest nurseries integrate the natural world around them into the curriculum, which can sometimes mean animal interactions, too! We are going to dive deep into the benefits of animals for child development in this article.
Top 10 Reasons Why Children Should Interact with Animals
Childhood has many key developmental phases that encourage health and well-being throughout a person’s life, with a huge factor being social relationships- however, this style of relationship can be encouraged by animal interactions at a young age, too. Here are our top 10 reasons why children should have animal interactions to assist their development:
1. It Supports Emotional Development
When a child interacts with animals, they are exposed to a sense of emotional comfort and a safe space. They will be required to show a certain softness, kindness and empathy towards animals as they learn that the animal will show a willingness to be around that kind of behaviour. Children will also feel less lonely and this can reduce anxiety or stress.
2. Children Develop Empathy and Compassion
As a child interacts with an animal, they will bond with them through petting or playing which in turn helps children acknowledge and understand an animal’s feelings or emotions. These interactions allow the growth of empathy and compassion.
3. Improved Physical and Mental Health in Children
Children who have contact with animals will likely have better physical and mental health, with reduced symptoms relating to depression being prominent, too. Children will likely be more active and physically fit as they play, walk or run with the animal, alongside increasing their self-esteem and confidence.
4. Learning Opportunities for Children
By being exposed to animals, children have the chance to gain knowledge of different species, the life cycle and even biology. This creates a sense of connection to nature and enriches a child’s curiosity and imagination.
5. Enhanced Responsibility
When children interact with animals they are often taught the responsibilities that come with that, too. As they feed them, clean up after them and groom them, they discover important life skills and accountability.
6. Emotional Intelligence
Children who care for animals and understand the responsibilities that are accompanied by it often have increased emotional regulation, which later in life helps with emotional intelligence.
7. Increased Problem-Solving Skills
Animals can sometimes be unpredictable, leaving children in a position to think quickly and manage challenging situations, which will increase their problem-solving skills. They will also be faced with decision-making opportunities, such as deciding which toys or activities are best for the animal.
8. Improved Cognitive Function
A child will be required to focus and pay attention while spending time with animals, which is quite an easy task as the animal’s behaviour and movements are usually entertaining. Some other skills that will help improve cognitive development are memory, as they learn new facts and language skills as they start to describe their experience with the animal.
9. Better Time Management
There will be an increase in a child’s time management skills if they have a pet, as they must allocate time to feeding, grooming and walking the animal daily. Creating a plan to help your child navigate the world of pet care will promote their sense of self-worth, too.
10. Children Will Learn Important Life Lessons
If your child creates a connection through bonding with an animal, they will learn some of life’s lessons, including the warmer emotions of love, loyalty and affection, however, as every life comes to an end, they will also experience loss and discover grief. Some other lessons they will learn will be about reproduction, birth and illness.