On a summer day, eight-year-old Sarah went out to the small balcony of her home and noticed the bird that had built its nest there shaking under the hot sun. She left her toys, brought a light piece of cloth, placed it gently under the nest, and then told her mother, “I want to make sure the bird is comfortable. Did I do enough?”
Her mother felt a deep sense of happiness from this simple conversation, which reflected Sarah’s connection to a living being and her sense of responsibility. Through such bonds, children gain opportunities for learning and growth—not only emotionally but also psychologically and educationally.
In this report, Dr. Laila Abdeljawad, Professor of Child Psychology, explains the educational and psychological benefits of raising pets for children, and how these benefits may vary depending on the type of pet.
A Complete Learning Experience
Raising a pet is not just a luxury; it is a full educational experience that helps a child grow socially, emotionally, and psychologically. It teaches love and compassion, instills discipline, encourages communication, and opens a window to nature.
However, this experience requires supervision and guidance from parents. The pet is not a magical tool to raise a child—it becomes an effective educational tool when managed wisely and consciously. Choosing the right pet, monitoring the relationship between the child and the animal, and turning every moment into a learning opportunity are key to success.
Children will treasure memories with their small companion: how the cat taught them tenderness, the dog made them laugh in tough times, or the bird instilled a love for nature. Years later, they may smile and say, “Mom, do you remember when we fed the bird together?” At that moment, parents realize that a small act has become a powerful lesson in love, compassion, and responsibility.
The Impact of Raising a Pet
1. Developing Empathy and Compassion
When parents encourage their child to care for a living being—whether a dog, cat, bird, or even a turtle—the child learns that all living creatures need attention and care. This feeling nurtures empathy and compassion and encourages the child to consider the emotions of others.
Studies show that children who grow up with pets are more expressive about their emotions, less likely to display aggressive behavior, and more inclined to cooperate and help others. In this way, the pet becomes a silent teacher, instilling values of kindness toward all living beings.
2. Responsibility and Discipline
Caring for a pet gives children practical lessons in responsibility. Feeding, cleaning, and attending to the animal’s health teaches them that they play a real role within the family. These small tasks help develop organization and discipline while reinforcing time management and accountability. Over time, children gain confidence as they see the direct results of their actions in the pet’s happiness and well-being.
3. Emotional Support and Stress Management
Pets have a remarkable ability to soothe children’s hearts. After a difficult day or moments of sadness, simply hugging a cat or playing with a dog can provide comfort. Pets offer a sense of security, reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety, and encourage children to express their emotions freely. Parents often notice that children with pets are emotionally more stable and better equipped to handle daily stress, as calm interactions with the animal restore their inner balance.
4. Social Skills and Communication
Having a pet encourages children to interact with others. Children often talk about their pets, which boosts confidence and communication skills. The relationship also allows children to practice listening, understanding non-verbal cues, patience, and tolerance. For shy or introverted children, a pet is often their first friend, helping them gradually open up to people with more confidence.
5. Connection to Nature, Patience, and Observation
Pets give children the chance to interact directly with nature. They observe growth, movement, and when a creature needs rest or food, teaching patience and attentiveness while reducing screen-induced fast-paced habits. Watching a turtle move slowly, observing a bird build its nest, or caring for a small flower-eating rabbit nurtures the child’s natural sensitivity and instills respect for all life.
Points Parents Should Know Before Getting a Pet
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Ability to Care: Ensure the family can provide the time and effort needed; pets require daily commitment, not just a temporary game.
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Appropriate Choice: Not every pet suits every child. Choose based on the child’s age, temperament, and household space.
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Continuous Supervision: Never leave a child alone with a pet, especially in early years.
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Prior Education: Teach the child basic information about the pet: diet, handling, and rest needs.
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Accepting Loss: If the pet dies or is lost, discuss grief calmly and honestly. This teaches healthy coping with loss.
Which Pet Is Best for Your Child?
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Dog: Teaches loyalty, security, and group play.
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Cat: Provides calmness and tenderness; teaches respect for privacy.
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Birds: Capture attention with beauty and sound; encourage observation and connection to nature.
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Turtles: Teach patience and calm; suitable for children who prefer low-activity pets.
The choice should consider compatibility with the child’s personality and the family’s available time and resources.
Practical Steps for Parents
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Family Decision: Involve everyone in choosing the pet to share responsibility.
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Task Assignment: Divide responsibilities clearly; for example, the child feeds the pet, the mother cleans, and the father manages vet visits.
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Learning Together: Watch educational videos about caring for the chosen pet.
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Discuss Feelings: Ask the child how they think the pet feels, when it’s happy or tired, to build emotional intelligence.
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Continuous Monitoring: Observe the child-pet relationship. Adjust tasks if interest wanes or the child feels overwhelmed.
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Handling Difficult Situations: In case of illness or death, explain in simple terms that sadness is natural and caring for pets is a noble responsibility.
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Encourage Creativity: Let the child draw or write stories about their pet to strengthen imagination and bond.
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