Caring for Pets Has Positive Impact on Health and Education of School Children
Studies confirmed that caring for a pet increases a child’s sensitivity to other people’s needs and feelings; as they learn that it isn’t just about feeding. As children grow up, they will experience how a caring environment affects members of a household, including animals.
While this kind of training benefits all children, it’s especially critical for young boys who are not often encouraged by society to develop nurturing skills the way young girls are.
Positive Effects of Pet Caring on Children’s Health and Education
According to Dr. Harvey Markovitch, editor of The Archives of Disease in Childhood, who is also a practicing pediatrician, caring for pets is extremely beneficial for the health and education of school children . Learning about relationships and being sensitive to other’s needs, help boost their confidence and happiness in attending school. Researchers at the Waltham Petcare science Institute have shown how students with pets have demonstrated higher levels of self-esteem than counterparts without pets.
At the Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, research psychologist Shari Young Kuchenbecker Ph.D. agrees, saying that a child who learns how to care for an animal is aware that what he is doing matters, which motivates him to do it properly and without fail. That is mainly because whenever he sees the successful outcomes and experiences during bonding moments with the animal cared for, the more confident he feels. Being able to cope with the responsibilities of caring for another living being is no trivial matter; but take caution not to be harsh in admonitioning a child when slip ups happen.
One of the studies showed that 40% of kids who participated in the study rely on their pets for emotional support when feeling tired, lonely, anxious, scared and upset. About 53% of children who responded to a survey said they are happy doing homework when their pets are nearby.
In studies that involved comparison of school attendance, researchers found out that every year, students who have pets at home, had averaged more days in school attendance than their pet-free peers. The general observation in relation to this findings is that students who grew up with pets have better resistance in fighting off infection when compared to those who grew up in non-pet households.
Caring for Pets Entails Additional Household Expenses
All the above positive impact of pet caring can be achieved if all members of a household are one in upholding proper pet care, including bringing the animal to veterinary clinics. Since caring for a pet denotes additional expenses, many are into smart shopping by buying pet care products that come with offers of cash rebates or loyalty rewards.
The Elanco Animal health company for one understands that caring for a dog can cost pet owners $1500 minimum annually for maintenance alone. However the cost can get higher as it actually depends on the breed and the health condition of the dog. That is why Elanco offers cash back or rebates on some of their pet medication and other necessities which can be claimed here elanco rebates.