How Pets Can Help Children Develop a Sense of Self

Children's experiences with animals help them form their own sense of self in many ways, some of which are discussed below. By interacting with animals, children learn that they share basic needs and wants but are also different.

Preschoolers are at the potty training age. Children are thrilled when they successfully use the toilet and upset when an accident occurs. Just as they have bathroom needs so do animals. Cats like a clean litter box and dogs like to be walked outside. Children do not like to sit in dirty diapers and animals do not like to sit in filth either.

At this age, children begin to eat more diverse foods and express their likes and dislikes. Animals also need to eat certain foods and have their favorite treats. Preschoolers will recognize that they eat at specific times of the day and so do animals. Animals also look forward to a mealtime and fresh water.

Children between the ages of two and five are on the move. No longer do they sit idle and pull their bodies along the floor. They can efficiently get from one spot to another. Animals also enjoy being active. Preschoolers may cry at naptime but sometimes rest is good as it is for animals. Everyone needs exercise and rest. Depending on the child and the animal, the amount of exercise and rest varies.

Unconditional love is important for everyone. Hopefully, children know that their parents will always be there for them. Animals count on people to always be there for them. With increased language ability, preschoolers can express themselves verbally. Animals also express themselves using sounds and body language. A child will cry when hit by another child just as a dog will yelp if his/her tail is pulled.

With increased control through body language and words, children recognize the power they have over their own bodies. Animals also have power mechanisms. Wild animals tend to avoid people and prefer humans to not interfere with their habitat. Domesticated animals want interaction because the family is their family. Both children and animals can clearly demonstrate when they want to or do not want to do something.

Most importantly, children and animals have unique personalities. When children interact with animals, they will recognize that animals' personalities are different just like they may be shy or gregarious. This is good for children to see because children should be able to act like children and animals should be able to act like animals. Just because an animal lives in a home does not mean he/she will ever behave or want to behave like other human family members. Children will learn how to interact amongst differences and accept differences.

Children's sense of self can be positively or negatively affected by experiences with animals. All of the above can result in positive outcomes. Negative ramifications are likely if a child is bit or the family neglects an animal in the home. Children will either fear animals or lack compassion towards animals. Preschoolers will learn to be kind to animals and themselves if people show them.