Pets are full members of the family.
And they may be beneficial to children's development.
"It can be said that children who have an animal with whom they interact in the early years of life have benefits in social-emotional development." Hayley Christian, author of of a 2021 study.
According to an Australian study, children between the ages of 5 and 8 living with an animal are more sociable than average.
Children would also be more empathetic and develop a sense of responsibility more easily.
Another study found that children aged 2 to 5 living with a dog spent less time on screens and had better sleep quality.
This is attributed in part to greater dog-related physical activity.
The animal, perceived as a confidant, a friend, also brings a real psychological support.
The child does not feel judged.
Thus, before the age of 6, he has a better self-esteem and feels less alone.
This lowers his anxiety level.
Finally, the presence of pets during the child's first year of life increases the child's immunity.
It produces more antibodies and this reduces the risk of allergies and asthma.