I need to get info on the benifits and value of children growing up with pets.

Hi! Thanks for the question. 

Here are some benefits children get when they grow up with pets.

- ??Pet ownership was significantly associated with better school
attendance rates. This was apparent across all classes, but was most
pronounced in the lower school (classes 1-3, age groups 5-8). Here,
the pet owners benefited from up to 18 extra half days schooling per
annum than their non pet owning counterparts.??

- ?Results of this study showed that IgA levels amongst pet owners
were significantly less variable from the normal range. In other
words, their immune function was more stable, and indicates that these
children were better able to fend off illness.?

?New research says pet-owning children spend significantly more time at school.?
http://www.teachersupport.org.uk/index.cfm?p=1563 


- ?Regardless of age and developmental level, however, most children
view their pets as special friends and important members of their
family. Sandra Triebenbacher from East Carolina University reports
that most children talk to their pets. In addition, most children feel
that mutual "love" is conveyed verbally and nonverbally between them
and their pets.?

?Recent Studies on How the Presence of Pets Affects People During Life Transitions?
http://www.deltasociety.org/changes2.htm


- ?Studies have linked family ownership of a pet with high self-esteem
in young children and greater cognitive development. In addition,
children with pets at home score significantly higher on empathy and
pro-social scales than non-pet owners.?

?Dog and Cat Owners Gain Health Benefits?
http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/bf_feature_14.cfm 


- ?Children who suffer from autism have more prosocial behaviors if they own a pet?

- ?Children owning pets are more likely to be involved in sports,
hobbies, clubs or even chores?

?CAN PETS HELP OUR HEALTH!?
http://bakaridobes.westhost.com/publiceducation/PECPetsYourHealth.html 


- ?In a German study, 90% of parents thought that their dog played an
educative role with their young children, and improved the child's
quality of life. The study also found that 80% of the children
interviewed considered their dog to be primarily their friend and
confidante.?

?Pets to keep you healthy?
http://www.ie.pedigree.com/Pedigree/en-ie/Articles/Relationship/Our+Dog+friends/Pets+to+keep+you+healthy.htm#Copy4


- ?A five year study of 600 children aged 3-18 years revealed that pet
owning children who are slow learners or whose parents have divorced
cope better with life than those who don?t have a pet. ?

?Are there any human health benefits in owning a pet??
http://www.pethealthcouncil.co.uk/people.shtml 


- ?A US study of 394 university students revealed that those who had
owned dogs or cats as childhood pets were more self-confident than
those who did not.?

- ?A study of 455 school children between the ages of 11 and 16
revealed that children with pets had a better ability to understand
non-verbal communications.?

?PETS ARE GOOD FOR KIDS?
http://www.ovma.org/pets/human_animalbond.shtml 


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Google Answers Researcher

I was not able to get any good info using the key words I thought of. 
Thanks for the help.  I will use this service again and save myself
some time.

fewer allergies:
http://archives.cnn.com/2002/HEALTH/parenting/08/27/kid.pet.allergies/

Hi there! I think that is a fantastic question!

The benefits of children having a pet can be many. Being raised with
many pets my whole life, I have firsthand experience.

Children are naturally invincible, and think everyone else around them
are too. Pets can teach children how valuable and fragile life can be.
They'll teach them responsibility and the cycle of life. I still have
my first cat... I got her when I was 8 years old, and she was 8 weeks
old. We have grown up together... Now I'm turning 27 and she'll be 19
and it's like I still have my little sister with me. Although I'm
married and have 4 other kitties, who are my children.

Whichever pet you choose, although I do suggest something furry that
may reciprocate love, they'll teach your children the meaning of
unconditional love. A pet will always love you whether you finished
your peas and corn, or not! They don't care if you're having a bad
hair day or anything of the sort. Your child will look forward to
coming home and spending time with their little furry friend. I think
it really teaches them about life, and respect for others.

On a personal note, I think every child should have a pet growing up.
My husband never had one, and resents not having been able to
celebrate that experience. He does agree that they teach you many
things we humans cannot. And although we have no children yet cause
our kitties are more than enough, I will get my children their own
pets so they can learn about responsibility in a positive manner...
not like doing chores cause you have to.

So I hope this helps some in your quest for answers. I think it was a
fantastic question.

Actually you can read about my first kitty and other pets I've had
growing up on my website where I make pet portraits.
www.FleasAndPaws.com

Thanks for reading my comment!
becky