Thinking about getting a pet for your family? If you’re exploring the options of investing in a new furry family member, we don’t doubt there’s one word looming in the back of your head: responsibility. Yes, more responsibility for an already busy family can deter the thought of getting a pet, especially if your kids are young and your plate is full. However, there are benefits for children who are raised in a pet-friendly family. Humans have been connecting with animals for the last 12,000 years. To bring one into your home is a commitment that might not be easy at first, but according to science, it’s worth it, especially if you have children. Here are three facts that you should consider before adopting a pet.

1. Pets Provide Therapy

Most of us know this already. We see pets help people who have physical disabilities and give relief to those struggling with mental health. Pets, in a way, are an escape mechanism, in the healthiest way possible. They help us relax and, in times of stress, bring us back to a reality that’s filled with unconditional affection and connectedness. For your kids, pets provide a sense of emotional support and companionship. They can help lower blood pressure, reduce anxieties, and provide stimulus.

2. Your Kids Will Be Better Off With a Pet

According to research, if there’s a pet in your household, your kids will generally be better off. This includes better overall emotional and physical health, and accounts for less mood swings and fewer learning problems. Compared to households without a furry or feathered friend, kids who live with pets have a lesser risk of being diagnosed with attention deficit disorders and other behavioural problems. Learn more about psychology and pets here (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animals-and-us/201707/why-kids-pets-are-better).

3. Pets Teach Your Children Fundamental Life Lessons

The hardest part about owning a pet is losing a pet. One of the most fundamental lessons owning a pet can teach your children is how to grieve. When families with children decide to adopt a pet, very rarely do they think about the loss the entire family will eventually experience. Although some pets will live for years into your children’s adolescent-hood or even adulthood, most pets do not live your child’s lifetime. Losing a beloved pet can teach your kids important lessons about life’s cycle and how they can grow and heal from these experiences.

📷  : Alicia Jones