The Power of Pets: What Kids Can Learn From Animals

Has your child been asking for a pet, but you’re unsure whether it’s a good idea? Owning any pet is undoubtedly a big commitment, but it can also be a wonderful experience for children. 

While growing up with pets can bring immense joy, love, and companionship and curate many beautiful memories, it can also be a surprising source of some essential life lessons for children. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you, or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.” (Job 12:7-10). 

While owning a pet requires time, effort, and financial investment, it can teach children the value of responsibility, respect, trust, and patience. Even the death of a pet can help youngsters learn how to cope with the loss of a loved one and the fragility of life. 

Children can develop the life skills for a successful, fulfilling life by caring for a pet.

Boosts Children’s Development

A pet, whether scaly, feathery, or furry, can help contribute to a child’s wholesome development while at the same time reflecting the grace of God’s creation. Studies consistently show the emotional and educational benefits for children growing up with a pet in the home, both emotionally and spiritually. 

Beyond purrs and wagging tails, children with pets often have improved self-esteem, enhanced social skills, and experience less loneliness than youngsters who don’t have pets. 

Between the ages of two and five and over 10, the presence of a dog in the home not only encourages all the family to be active but also children, especially, and can also improve their sleeping habits. 

Children with pets in the family were also found to have less screen time, giving them more free time and energy.

Children Learn Empathy And Compassion

Owning a pet is a beautiful way to instill empathy and compassion in children from a young age. While the Bible teaches them about compassion, having a pet in the family gives children a hands-on opportunity to learn the importance of considering and prioritizing another being’s feelings. 

For instance, moving house can be stressful for a pet, and helping them transition to a new home encourages children to empathize with their pets. In caring for a pet during a move, children learn the importance of understanding and comforting those who depend on them, mirroring God’s call to care for all His creation. 

Prioritizing a pet’s well-being becomes a tangible expression of love in action. At the same time, children learn to extend kindness and sensitivity, reinforcing the Christian virtues of compassion, selfless love, and consideration for others, no matter how small or different. 

Develop A Sense Of Responsibility and Stewardship

Whether feeding, grooming, walking the dog, or simply ensuring a pet’s daily well-being, children learn the responsibilities of caring for another living being, reflecting God’s wish for us to manage the gifts bestowed upon us responsibly. 

Children can quickly learn to keep their pets safe and happy daily and become accountable for their well-being. Even a young child can start learning how to care for the needs of another living being. 

Whether it’s filling the cat’s water bowl or giving the dog its breakfast, it’s never too early for children to learn under a parent’s supervision. This hands-on experience helps your child build a good work ethic while preparing them for a future where they understand the value of caring for God’s gifts.

Understand The Power of Unconditional Love And Forgiveness

Adopting a pet teaches children a profound lesson in unconditional love and forgiveness. Despite our shortcomings, the unconditional affection and loyalty we get from our pets symbolize love without conditions. 

On those occasions when a pet makes a mistake, the dog has chewed up a shoe, or the cat has toppled a favorite glass and requires forgiveness, a child can experience the power of grace and mercy first-hand, just as the Bible teaches us to forgive others as God forgives us. (Ephesians 4:32). 

Through the loyalty and acceptance of a pet, children grasp the essence of forgiveness and the beauty of loving without conditions, imitating the boundless love God bestows upon His children.

Welcoming a pet into your home is a beautiful way to celebrate God’s vast and awe-inspiring creation and help your children develop an appreciation for the beauty and diversity in God’s handiwork. 

By caring for a pet, children can learn about empathy and compassion, understand the incredible power of unconditional love and forgiveness, and develop a strong sense of responsibility and stewardship for God’s creation.

This is a guest post from Jennifer Dawson.