THE ANIMAL-CHILD BOND

19 September 2023

There is scientific evidence that a child who adores animals is often full of love and affection, and knows how to cherish precious things around them, as the love of animals teaches children compassion, sharing, and caring. Therefore, adults should nurture this love in children by creating ample opportunities for them to play with family pets like dogs or cats.

Giving children regular opportunities to engage and play with animals

If your family has sufficient financial resources, you can consider keeping a few types of family pets, such as dogs or cats, to give your children more opportunities to interact with pets. Caring, feeding, and petting will generate wonderful memories for them while also teaching them to appreciate and respect simple and loving things. Young and pure hearts might learn that animals, like humans, require care and affection.

Teaching your children to love animals

Animals are friends, so children should learn not to torture or abuse them. Parents should talk to their children about animal love on a regular basis, or allow them to read books or watch movies on it. If it is inconvenient to keep pets at home, you can take your kids to the zoo to introduce them to the world of wildlife. This will shape your child's love of animals. And if you can keep pets, give your own pets as much affection as possible.

Reminders for parents on how to teach their children to love animals

- Teach children to always adore and care for animals through small actions.

- Teach children about unacceptable behaviors towards animals, such as mistreating, beating, or feeding inappropriate food.

- Teach children to observe and ask adults for permission before touching unfamiliar animals or others’ pets.

- Reward and encourage children for appropriate behaviors.