Has your family been considering an expansion? We're not talking about another child; we're talking pets!
Pets can be a wonderful addition to a home. Studies have shown numerous benefits of pet ownership for both adults and children. For example, according to WebMD, "for nearly 25 years, research has shown that living with pets provides certain health benefits. Pets help lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety. They boost our immunity. They can even help you get dates."
Whether its dates or comfort your family is looking for, the addition of a pet requires some preparation and thought, but ultimately can end up being a wonderful choice. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry's web site has a great article on children and pets, highlighting choosing a pet, caring for a pet, and the specific ways in which pets can help children.
Another great resource for pet-related information is your local animal shelter. Many shelters allow children to volunteer with their parents, allowing them to interact with animals before committing to ownership. If your family is interested in including this topic in your educational plan, the Humane Society of the United States has resources available online, including a kids' magazine, lesson plans, and more.
There is plenty of information out there on the benefits of pet ownership and advice on making a choice. Here are a few more articles that you may find helpful:
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The Mental Health Benefits of Having a Pet Dog, Innerbody.com
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The Benefits of Pets, Parents.com
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10 Reasons Pets Are Good for Kids, Oprah.com
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How Pets Benefit Child Development, Sheknows.com
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The Benefits of Growing Up With Pets, Pedigree.com
