Do you want your child to develop strong social skills? Then buy him or her a puppy! According to the latest scientific research (we already knew) having a pet dog helps children develop many positive characteristics.
Child development
Having a pet can help develop the following qualities in children:
- Nurturing skills
- Responsibility
- Empathy
- A caring attitude
- Communication
Studies have shown that children with pets:
- Have higher self esteem
- Have improved social skills
- Are more likely to be physically active, and less likely to be overweight or obese
Family harmony
Pet ownership also has a beneficial effect on family harmony. Research shows that families with a pet:
- Spend a lot more time interacting
- Have a basis for fun activities and friendly conversation including the important topics of life
For more on this fascinating topic, see this post: Scientific Research: Dogs are Good for Children.