Do children benefit from having a pet?Posted on 26 Jul 2012 A
new survey has revealed that owning pets can have a positive
effect on children’s health, happiness – and even their
homework. Blue Cross editor Natasha Kleanthous discusses why a
pet can be such wonderful addition to the family.. For any of us
who grew up owning a pet, we know just how fabulous it can be.
Our gorgeous golden retriever Crumble, who I grew up with from a
baby, introduced me to pets and the responsibility that comes
with them from a young age. Later on, our cats Tigger and Whisky
brought me 19 wonderful years of happiness and friendship, from
the age of 10 until they passed away when I was nearly 30. There
are lots of reasons why pets can have a positive impact.
Children often prefer to share their feelings with a pet rather
than a person, which can help them through difficult times in
life – including adolescence. It also encourages them to develop
feelings of empathy and nurturing and can introduce them to the
concept of bereavemen