by Matt L.

Created on: June 02, 2008

Personally, I believe all children should grown up with pets in the household whenever possible. I grew up with two loving dogs and could not imagine my childhood without them.

Aside from defining love and compassion for another living thing, pets can provide children with an incredible sense of self worth. When a pet and child have the opportunity to grow up together in a loving environment, there is nothing I can think of nothing that will benefit the child, or the pet, more.

Children who grow up with pets quickly learn the many responsibilities that go with pet ownership. That being said, they also quickly learn that there are consequences for their actions. Some of which may not be so pleasant. For example, if Fido needs to "go" and they neglect to take Fido for a walk, guess who has a mess to clean up. Or, if they over-feed Goldie, the goldfish, and the next day she's belly up in the fish bowl. Or, they forget to change the litter in the litter box and the cat decides to relieve himself in one of their favorite pair of shoes! These are just some small examples, but I think you see where I am going with this.

Additionally, pets can even help children learn patience as they spend time training their pet and teaching them new tricks. Have you ever seen the look on a child's face that just successfully got their puppy to sit for the first time just by saying the word sit? It is simply priceless.

Pets can also be the perfect playmates for children if there is nobody else is around to play with.

Pets can be your child's best friend that he or she can tell all their dreams and secrets to, or they can be the only one who understands' when your child has a problem or feel sad.

Some pets have even been known to "baby-sit" smaller children on occasion (not that this is in any way a replacement for human adult supervision, but an extra set of caring eyes on the baby never hurt anyone!)

Pets can help keep children healthy by encouraging play and outdoor activities, like playing catch or frisbee, or even just a simple walk around the neighborhood.
It sure beats the video game generation of couch potatoes that are sprouting up all over.

I can go on and on about the benefits a child can attain by growing up with a pet. The possibilities are endless. I personally feel that pet ownership at a young age can help a child learn many valuable life lessons.

Learn more about this author, Matt L..
Click here to send this author comments or questions.