Reminisce and Reflect with me.
The season of joy is coming. It’s nineteen ninety-something. My first baby girl is growing up so fast. My first baby boy is growing old too soon! Both continue to bring me joy each day. Dogs have always made me feel happy.
Like many young couples our first parenting experiences were with pets. Two lovable big dogs. We enrolled in NURTURING 2.0! I had grown up in a home where pets were always part of the family. I followed in my father’s footsteps feeding, walking, training, grooming, playing with, talking to and most importantly loving my pets. 
As our family grew this 14 year old boy was still patient, loving and devoted to his pack.
I know that some circumstances or conditions might make it impossible for families to have pets but a home with animals is a great place for kids to grow up in. That’s the kind of environment I hoped to provide for my children.
Hindsight shows me that I was doing so much more than I realized for my kids at the time. Research supports the belief that pets are good for child development and mental health. The companionship and unconditional love are a given but there is more!
Pets help reduce stress. Kids who get emotional support from animals may be less anxious and withdrawn. The non-judgmental nature of an animal can help improve a child’s self-esteem. Kids tend to be more confident doing things with an animal because they aren’t afraid of making mistakes or looking silly. A pet will still love you even if you aren’t the best reader, have difficulty communicating or are very shy.
Children learn best when they are encouraged to do things. Helping to take care of a pet teaches nurturing skills, responsibility and encourages empathy towards other living things. Having routines within the home is a positive thing for kids. It also gives them real experiences with the inevitable circle of life concepts that they will face in the future. Having a pet is an excellent learning opportunity for children.
Kids enjoy talking and playing with their pets. This gives them practice communicating and socializing. It also promotes physical activity and good health.
In our home dogs have often made us smile and laugh when we spend time together. They have been a source of happiness that has built strong family bonds and created special shared memories.
Children remember their pets. One of the best childhood memories for all my kids was that spring day in nineteen ninety-something, when we got our new puppy.
Pets help keep us mentally and physically healthy. We have continued to have pets. Three more dogs have shared our home and joined our pack. My adult children are still animal lovers. Once they established homes for themselves, they have also welcomed pets into their lives.
Just like my dad before me I have maintained my nurturing ways. My kids no longer share our home but they will forever have my heart and bring me joy. Now an empty-nester my dogs are great company and they keep me active. I can’t take credit for the sayings that have adorned my house over the years but the messages sure ring true. Dogs still make me happy. When it comes to my mental health sometimes “Dogs do make the best therapists!” It feels good to be loved unconditionally.
Thank you for joining me!
Karen
If you want to read more on this topic here are some websites for you to visit.
https://www.parents.com/parenting/pets/kids/the-benefits-of-pets/
Pet Ownership Positively Affects Your Kids in More Ways Than One
Children who grow up with pets make more sensitive and sympathetic adults
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-benefits-of-children-growing-up-with-pets
Hindsight is Always 20/20! Parenting tips. 