Communication has a beneficial effect on a person not only with other people, but also with smaller brothers. And the appearance of a pet in a child's life will help him learn to take care of him, develop kindness and mercy. Such a child will quickly become independent and understand what responsibility is.
As they get older, children begin to actively become familiar with the environment, including taking an interest in animals and plants. Thanks to new impressions, the child expands the boundaries of consciousness, learns to interact with objects and subjects around him.
Perception of animals by children of different ages
Children, depending on their age and perception, behave differently with animals. In babies, pets evoke curiosity and interest, they are looking for tactile contact, they want to touch, touch, pat, examine from all sides. For older children, an animal is a friend and companion with whom they talk, tell secrets or make up stories.
- Up to 4 years old: at this age it is worth having a small and easy-to-care animal: a bird, a rodent, a decorative rabbit, fish. Kids will be drawn to pets, they will want to touch them, stroke them, play. Parents should explain that the animal is not a toy; it must be handled carefully and affectionately.
- Up to 6 years: At this age, children become more responsible, and they can be entrusted with taking care of the animal. They already know what types of pets exist, the elementary rules for caring for them: walking, feeding, hygiene. Parents can transfer some simple responsibilities to the child, but at first it is better for them to make sure that the child does everything right.
- Up to 8 years old: these are already independent children who know what responsibility is and can take care of the pet themselves. At this age, several animals of different species may appear in the family, but cats and dogs enjoy the greatest sympathy.
The importance of animals in a child's life
Pets influence a variety of processes, including:
Development
By studying and playing with the animal, the child acquires positive qualities. At this time, parents must teach the child how to properly handle the animal, explain that it is impossible to show aggression and cruelty towards animals.
Socialization
The pet becomes the child's first friend and protector. This gives confidence and helps to quickly get used to the team, get acquainted, and communicate with peers, make friends.
Intellectual development
Thanks to tactile contact and through games, the child develops sensory cognition and perception of surrounding objects. Establishing cause-and-effect relationships allows you to develop logical thinking.
Ethical component
Events associated with pets (appearance, illness, death) allow the child to experience different emotional states, both positive and negative. Aesthetic perception develops artistic vision and understanding of natural beauty and grace.
Physical and emotional development
Animals allow the child to experience all possible gamut of feelings and emotions, and joint games and walks form stable physical reactions, for example, coordination of movements, speed of reaction.
Healing properties
Various types of animals are used to treat the physiological and psychological ailments of children. They are able to help cope with depression, improve the general condition of autism, cerebral palsy, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, etc.
But this is not the whole list. Pets are excellent helpers in labor, environmental and moral education, the manifestation of humanity, reducing the level of conflict and hostility to the world around them, the development of sensing, creative thinking and imagination. Activities and games help to introduce children to work and discipline.
Animals are an important link in the upbringing of a child. They not only help in the development of positive feelings - love, care, affection, tenderness, but also contribute to the development and knowledge of the world around us, including through play. An important factor is the attitude of parents towards animals, because the child will copy their behavior model in the future.
