- They can help children socialize
One of the toughest aspects of socializing is getting a conversation going with someone new.
Having a dog next to you when you meet strangers gives you a sense of security and often sparks a discussion.
If you have ever brought a dog to the park, you know that it is an instant magnet for every child there, which can feel like a life saver for a shy child looking to make friends.
The Neurological and Physical Abilitation (NAPA) site shared a study that shows children show more social cues when they are in the presence of a pet:
“Marguerite O”Haire, a PhD candidate at The University of Queensland, Australia, conducted another similar study. This observed 99 children, some with autism and some without, as they played with toys or interacted with 2 guinea pigs, the classroom pets. When the children with autism were with the guinea pigs, they were more likely to talk, smile, laugh, and look at their peers, and were less likely to frown, cry, or whine than those who were playing with toys.”