The Child And His Soul Animal
One of the most unknown and wonderful French writers, Anatole France, uttered a phrase that touches our hearts: “as long as you don’t love an animal, a part of your soul will be asleep”. That’s why the child and their pet are able to create bonds that nothing and no one can ever break.
The importance of the bond between the child and their pet
Considering that having the unconditional love of a pet is something wonderful, it is important to think about providing the adoption of a pet that serves as a bond for our little ones and gives them values and happiness. Furthermore, as a child, this is another “excuse” for him to gradually acquire responsibilities.
In this sense, the Affinity Foundation is one of the bodies that has most studied and defended the advantages of allowing our children to grow up with a pet at their side. This organization has already carried out several studies in which the importance and benefits of having a relationship with animals are demonstrated.
We can derive numerous benefits for our children from the findings of the studies, as usually having a pet improves the quality of life for the whole family, reduces stress, the index of depression, and even provides physical and mental balance.
The relationship between the child and their pet
In the case of children, according to studies carried out by the aforementioned foundation, there are also a series of benefits that will allow our children to be more complete, happy, autonomous, responsible and caring. So let’s see how the child’s educational and social development improves:
- A child who has a pet he loves is responsible for caring for and feeding it in an autonomous, selfless and generous way. Obviously, all these values are enhanced thanks to the bond she creates with the pet.
- A child who feels responsible for an animal and likes to take care of it greatly improves their self-esteem. The little one feels useful, realizes that he does a good job and gains a lot of confidence in his possibilities and abilities.
- The good atmosphere created by the relationship between the child and their pet also allows the little one to improve their family integration. An animal can be a very strong bond between members of a group.
- The fact that children learn to respect their pet from an early age will also allow them to become aware of the need to respect other people and the environment.
- The child who takes care of his animal and is aware that he does it well gains self-confidence and competence. This way she will feel more responsible, but at the same time with a better emotional balance. In fact, 46% of children consider their animal companion to be a very strong source of emotional support.
- A pet is an excellent support for the little one in bad times. Sadness or fear are alleviated thanks to the company of the four-legged friend, who unconditionally offers to help his young friend.
How to create the bond between your child and your pet
In order to create a bond, we have to take into account a number of important aspects:
- It cannot be forced. It has to come naturally. However, if the child takes on responsibilities such as ensuring that the animal eats, has clean water or is clean, the bond will appear.
- On tours, it is important that the child accompany the adult and participate in the experience. This will also help in creating the bond in a natural way.
- In addition to responsibility, the child must look to the animal as a play and entertainment friend. In this way both will create an indestructible and very enriching union.
Other interesting data
According to studies carried out by the Affinity Foundation, people who had contact with animals in childhood generally have fewer problems in interpersonal relationships, are more cheerful and motivated and tend to feel less threatened.
It’s a good idea to let a child and their soul animal create an indestructible bond that will mark them for life and make them happier, fuller, and more joyful. It’s a beautiful gesture that will stay with us forever.
