Fit Thrifty Mom: Why children should have a pet...

Today, April 11, 2015, is National Pet Day.

I can think of at least 8 good reasons why your child should have a pet. My preference is a dog, but any loving animal will do the trick, I suppose.

Here are some...

1. Pets provide extra love to brighten anyone's day! A child can further experience love by loving a family pet.

2. Cuddling with a pet reduces stress, loneliness and anxiety in kids (and adults.)

3. Sharing the responsibilities of caring for a pet including, feeding, grooming, walking it, etc. makes sibling bonds stronger.

4. Handling pet care duties teaches responsibility and hard work early in children.

5. Children who are reading or learning to read feel comfortable reading out loud to a pet, moreso than to a parent or sibling.

6. Children who grow up with a pet have less of a risk of developing allergies.

7. Kids with pets go outside more! (Playtime, walks, etc )

8. A study found that children with pets had better social skills and self esteem

If you've been considering adopting or buying a pet, do it! It will add joy to your life!

We have two dogs.

Parker is a 4 year old Yellow lab who we adopted when he was 1 from a Labrador rescue. He's our original baby and we love this active, but lazy buddy. He's obsessed with the tennis ball and makes us laugh. Parks thinks he's a human.

We also have a Terrier/Poodle mix , Otis, who wandered into our back yard last summer. He is 5 years old. We weren't able to find his owners so we gladly kept him! OTie thinks he's a cat and acts like one. He's timid but demanding. He loves giving kisses and we love giving them to him!