TOP 5 Reasons why EVERY kid NEEDS a Pet! (Or Two).

So your kids have been begging and pleading for a kitten, or a puppy or, God forbid, a SNAKE and you're on the fence about giving in? Maybe it's okay to let your inner child loose this one time.

For Christmas, Our oldest asked for a puppy. Leading up to the big day, if asked which present she hoped for the most, the puppy always topped the list. Unfortunately, we don't feel we're in a place right now to add a dog to the mix, (she said, as a toddler screamed hysterically behind her), but I get where she is coming from, dogs are the best thing ever (probably since sliced bread), and I want to make sure my kids benefit from a house-full of critters, the way I did. In the end, we surprised her with a hamster on Christmas morning, and she loves her to pieces.

Animals and kids go together like peanut butter and jelly. Our recent trip to a petting zoo solidified in my mind the importance of having animals around. They just seem to understand each other. Every kid should have a pet, whether it be of the fur, feather or scale variety, and here's why;

Pets Teach Kids about Responsibility

This seems like an obvious perk. Everyone knows the basic principles of puppy ownership; the kids beg and plead and promise to take care of the puppy, you hesitate because you don't think they can handle the responsibility of changing their underwear regularly, let alone keeping another living being alive. I totally get it. Our idea of substituting a hamster for a puppy was twofold; a MUCH smaller investment and it is giving our oldest daughter a chance to be responsible for the well being of another creature. It is allowing her to realize how much care animals need on a daily basis and she is learning so much from the experience. She feels proud of herself every time she cleans and organizes her hamsters cage, and is quick to remind everyone that Sadie (her hamster) is HER pet and no one elses. This has served as a launching pad for our daughter to take on even more responsibilities around the house. Taking care of another creature has given her the confidence to tackle bigger challenges, and one day, she'll be ready for that dog.

Pets are Great for Your Children's Mental Health

There seems to be an ongoing dialogue surrounding mental health of late and focus should always be given to the mental health of children. They are the adults of the future after all. Children who have pets tend to have higher self esteems, better social skills and higher cognitive development than their peers who do not own a pet. Having a pet also reduces stress in adults and children alike. They can help your children by providing social support, companionship and improve their communication skills. Sometimes a child who is too unsure or shy to read aloud to an adult would gladly curl up with their favorite cat or dog, or lizard, depending on the kid! Kids who have daily interactions with animals are just generally happier, calmer and more relaxed.

Keeping Pets Has Positive Implications on the Health of Your Kids

We all know that daily walks with your dog is an excellent way to help your kids lead a healthy lifestyle, but what if I told you that having multiple pets in the home could actually ward off common allergens? I'll take your silence as permission to continue. A study performed by Dennis Ownby MD Head of the Allergy and Immunology Department of the Medical College of Georgia found that having multiple pets in the home decreases the risks of children developing certain allergies. He theorizes that kids exposed to multiple animals and their dander from birth are exposed to certain bacteria which changes the way the child's immune system reacts with other allergens. So basically this gives you medical permission to go ahead and get BOTH those cute kittens you've been eyeing, your children's health depends on it!

Establishes Family Bonds

No one could ever accuse our household as not considering our pets family. Each one even has their own stocking on Christmas morning. Having a pet can help cement the bonds we form with our family. Maybe your kid loves reptiles and the time is spent learning new and interesting facts, maybe you and your kids have to work together to build that new rabbit hutch for the backyard. Our family recently spent time together planning and building a DIY hamster cage. We all contributed our ideas and skills to create something we are all proud of and our hamster has one heck of a home! Isn't it funny how many family walks start out by one person grabbing the dog leash. Pets bring people together; in families AND communities, any dog park in the city will show you that.

Encourages Nurturing

Sometimes it is difficult for little boys to show their nurturing side in a culture that reinforces gender roles so strictly. Having a pet allows little boys (and girls) to play the role of care-giver to a creature that relies on them solely. Having animals around helps to introduce empathy and compassion, skills your child can carry with them into the world. Studies have shown that kids that grow up with pets in the home tend to be more caring and compassionate towards animals and people as adults. As the mom of a toddler, having our cat (Bing Clawsby) around has been an invaluable lesson on treating other creatures gently and with tenderness. I catch her mimicking the way she interacts with him in the playground with younger children, speaking softly and coaxing them gently to follow her. Incidentally, her attention has actually helped an otherwise nervous cat to relax and show himself more to guests who pop by, something he previously never attempted.

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There you have it, although I never need a reason to add something soft and fluffy to the household, if you need a little convincing, maybe this post will be the nudge you need in the right direction. You and your kids will be better off!