How do pets shape a child's character?

The assertion that every child is born a personality has long been refuted by psychologists. Although already at the moment of birth, the baby has its own temperament and even inherits some of the character traits of the parents, he still has a lot of work to do. After all, the formation of a child's character proceeds under the influence of many situations and takes many years.

Today, it is already an undoubted fact that pets have an unconditional influence on the development of a baby's personality. 
But what what this influence is and how it "works" in the formation of a child's character?

• Shaping the character of a child: progress from caring to responsibility
• Animals in home: what about children's health
• If you can't get a pet

Shaping the character of a child: progress from caring to responsibility

Pets help to develop the following qualities in children:

• A sense of personal responsibility. By explaining to your child that a cat, dog, or other pet cannot take care of themselves, and that the animal relies on your kindness, you give the child an initial understanding of  ;care. Over time, the desire and need to take care of our little brothers develops into a sense of responsibility.        the future will become one of determining factors of both professional and personal success of your child.

Read also: Spoiled child: why he behaves like this and what to do

• Empathy. The ability to sympathize and empathize — the most important property of a person. It is a mistake to think that this will make the child vulnerable or overly sensitive. Empathy — it is part of what is commonly called intuition or sixth sense. And & nbsp; a person who is able to empathize is easier to "tune in" on the  emotional wave of the interlocutor and  easily recognizes lies, sympathy, threats and other "messages" directed at him.

• Willpower. Agree, the need to go for a walk with dog 7 in 7 in the morning when you feel so sleepy, or clean up aquarium when an interesting game or book  — it requires willpower. But will, like other character traits, trains well. And the need to exercise conscious care and responsibility for your pet will help to develop willpower.

These are the main, but not only     only         But it is critically important that parents support the children good intentions and not contradict them in any way.

It is unacceptable to take a kitten or puppy into the house and, having faced the first difficulties , get rid of the animal. This will also leave its mark on the formation of the personality of the child, but it will be an extremely unpleasant mark.  Among the consequences of such a decision — intolerance towards others, inability to be responsible for the decisions made, lack of goals in life.

Animals in home: what about children's health

Before taking an animal into the house, parents ask themselves: will whether a new family member will cause illness in child 

Allergies are the only real threat. This is especially true for children who suffer from frequent respiratory illnesses, already have allergies to certain foods, or with congenital or hereditary diseases of the immune system.

Read also: What to do if the child is allergic: advice to parents

But in any case, you should first consult with doctor, and if he sees necessity the child will have an allergy test. This is a safe and simple procedure that involves the application of a preparation containing a potential allergen to the skin. If the child has an allergy — the reaction will be positive: the strip of skin will turn red and a slight swelling will appear on it. 
This will mean that the animal cannot be kept in the house, and information that the child is sensitive to wool will be useful on  ;future.

All other "popular" fears (infection with worms, lichen, rabies and others) are completely excluded if only one rule is observed. This is a regular visit to the veterinarian who will conduct routine deworming and vaccinations.

If it is not possible to have a pet

What should I do if it is impossible to get a pet due to housing or other similar problems?

You can take care of the birds together with the child. Make an impromptu feeder with your own hands, and let the child's task be to regularly fill it with food, repair the bird canteen and other "organizational" questions. At the same time, he will be able to learn the species of birds that live in your region and learn interesting information about them.

Another option — help to a shelter for homeless animals. Check with the nearest public or private shelter what days and times the child can come to help. He can be entrusted with cleaning, laying out food, changing water in drinking bowls, or simply communicating with animals. Cats and dogs left to arbitrary or even experienced human cruelty — the wisest educators who, in exchange for affection and care, will give the child a sense of how important his kindness is to this world.

Read also: Child's emotional intelligence: why is it needed and how to develop

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