Playtime at Maagic Mountain Farm.
In these isolating times of quarantine our children are missing social connection, school contacts and fun outdoor activities. Interactive imagination, communication and companion play is increasingly more precious for our kids. As a mother and community farm owner, I often witness the many benefits of children connecting with animals. Living creatures offer a unique bridge and lifelong rewards for children.
Animals are everywhere and experiences can come in a variety of forms: a family pet, neighbors’ animals, local farm visits, horseback riding, 4H and other clubs. No matter where you are, simply going outside and observing the wild animals and birds all around can bring many benefits.
Childhood exposure to animals can contribute to long-term health
The National Institute of Health reports that early exposure to animal dust and dander can contribute to your child’s long-term health, influencing immune development and modifying the subsequent risk of allergic diseases, including asthma. Some people have serious allergies to pets and in those cases, exposure to farm animals, bird watching or fish may be a better option than having a dog or cat. Either way, time spent with animals is calming, reduces stress and often produces big smiles!
Connecting with an animal can transform a bad day
Children relate to the natural spirit and character of animals. Children witness their emotion and behavior through the response of the creature and learn how their behavior affects others. A bad day can often be transformed when children interact and calm themselves connecting with an animal. “Introducing children to the natural world offers immense benefits for healthy development on all levels of the body and mind. Petting animals, exploring the fullness of life through another, it all stimulates growth, calms stress and promotes healing,” says retired school counselor Susan Patricio RN, MS.
Animals help children learn responsibility
Animals are sensitive and respond quickly to everything around them. Children observe the needs of the animal and sympathize. The cause-and-effect relationship of chasing, teasing, scaring or hurting an animal is directly felt and with the assistance and instruction from adults, children quickly understand how their behavior encourages love or rejection.
At the farm or in the home, children begin to recognize that all living creatures have needs for water, food, sleep and love. Not only is animal care a wonderful way to establish routine and learn the importance of consistency, the responsibility of being a caregiver is empowering, teaching observation and decision-making skills.
8-year-old Joaquina and her pet hen.
Explore the many options to enjoy time with animals
Time with animals is fun and encourages kids to leave their screens, step outside, be in the sun and play in the fresh air. Once experienced, they remember the fun and will often go back for more animal time regularly.
Animal ownership may not be for everyone, and is not necessary to receive the benefits for your children. Find out what works you and your family. Parks and hikes offer opportunities to observe ducks, squirrels and birds in their natural environments. Farms offer visitation times and tours. Neighbors and friends have pets that need to be cared for or walked. Many after school programs and shelters offer animal reading programs or start your own. Find a neighbor with chickens and ask if you can learn to care for and perhaps help. Shelters offer kitten foster programs while finding permanent homes. The options are endless and so are the benefits of animal connection for children. Children naturally play, learn and grow with animals.
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