There’s nothing quite like the bond between an owner and their furry friend. Pets bring so much joy and happiness into our lives. From encouraging us to get outdoors, to taking a minute for play or cuddles, there’s no shortage of ways that they have a positive impact on our wellbeing as a result.
From the toddler finding their wobbly legs with support from their best friend, to grandma enjoying a furry cuddle on the couch – no matter the age, bringing a pet into your family offers so much support and comfort for every member. Here’s how you can build bonds, provide all the pet accessories they need, and create memories that will last you a lifetime.
Building healthy emotional connections
Being greeted at the end of a long, hard day by an excited nudge of the nose or a tail wrapped around your leg can immediately lift your spirits. The melting away of the stress doesn’t just stop at you, it can even filter through to the rest of your family. Whether you or a family member is feeling stressed, anxious or even a little depressed, having your furry friend jump on your lap to offer a source of comfort can instantly help boost your mood. You can all reap the benefits of this relationship, which has a huge impact on your family’s emotional connection.
Boosting our confidence
There’s no better way to teach your child about responsibility than with a pet. Having another creature that solely depends on them is a great motivator! It won’t take long for kids to learn that there’s lots of jobs involved in owning a pet, and as they master each once, it can boost their confidence and encourage them to take on more responsibilities in life. Bonus!
By allowing your child to take on the chores that come with pet ownership, they will feel accomplished after each task. Their bond with their pet will strengthen as well, as they find a sense of purpose together. Their relationship with their pet will help build their self-esteem as they learn what they are capable of.
Creating lasting memories
Have you ever flicked back through photos on your phone and found yourself smiling at an old photo of your child with a pet? Or sat down with another family member and reminisced about something funny your furry friend did that day?
Pets help create a flurry of memories that provoke laughter, joy and togetherness with your family. From the time they stole all the toilet paper and unravelled it around the house, to dancing while they wait for their food bowl to be filled, to the moment they jumped on dad’s lap and stole his sandwich. The memories are priceless.
Enhancing social skills and empathy
Pets are entirely dependent on their owners to take care of them. This reliance on others can often spark empathy and compassion with household members, especially with kids.
Pets also have a habit of becoming a trusted confidant for kids or even older owners. While our pets can’t necessarily talk back, they can still provide a comforting presence to share ups and downs, worries, concerns or just any random thoughts and feelings. This connection can help develop a child’s social skills and ability to empathise with others, by having a trusted listening ear always by their side. It creates a safe space for them to practise communication and cooperation skills.
Promoting an active lifestyle
Owning a pet is the perfect excuse to throw on those walking shoes and head outdoors. Did you know you can even get leashes for bunnies these days! With a pet by your side, all family members will be encouraged to get outdoors and spend some time with them. Whether you head off for a family walk, throw a ball around the backyard, or simply spend some time rolling in the grass, there’s benefits for everyone.
Walking, playing, and exercising with a pet can help improve physical health, reduce stress, and increase overall wellbeing. What’s not to love!
It’s no secret that pet ownership is a huge responsibility and not something you want to enter into lightly. However, it also offers so many benefits for the entire family. From encouraging responsibility and building empathy to improving the emotional connection between all family members, it’s easy to see why so many households are embracing pets as another treasured family member.