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As a family psychologist, I’m always interested in learning about different therapeutic approaches to helping kids. One approach that receives much less attention than it deserves is therapy-involving animals, especially pets.
Animals can help reduce the vulnerability children feel when they are working on different types of behaviors or emotional challenges. Whether you have to talk to your child about “all the missing cookies” or a more serious matter, the presence of a pet can go a long way toward reducing his or her discomfort and self-consciousness. Being able to hug a dog or pet a cat while dealing with some tough issues helps to limit the feeling of “being on the spot.” The warmth of an animal’s body, the softness of its coat – the very fact that it is a living thing – provides an opportunity for emotional relief and connection.
Many pet owners say they enjoy the unconditional love an animal provides. What is perhaps more important is the opportunity a pet provides to express love.
I’m not suggesting that you immediately rush off and buy a pet if your child is dealing with behavioral or emotional challenges. But if your family would like a pet and can make the commitment to provide it with a good, safe home; it’s worth considering. Your child may enjoy researching different animals and planning for its care.
Many parents have learned that pets are an excellent way to build empathy as well. Taking care of the family pet, or a stint “dog-watching” or “cat- sitting” for a neighbor might be a child’s first job. Children sense that living things require greater care on their part and usually rally to meet expectations when they’ve been given a sense of responsibility for an animal: picking its name, selecting its collar, choosing special pet snacks or toys at the grocery store. Animals serve both as real companions and as potent symbols that wind their ways deeply into children’s minds, providing a health opportunity for emotional projection. Why else would animals show up so frequently in children’s art and stories?
Some studies have even shown that the presence of a dog while learning to read or play the piano helps accelerate those processes. This makes sense to me. So much of what children struggle with during learning is a lack of fluency brought on by their own self-consciousness. Anxiety inhibits the neural connections that make learning easier. Isn’t it harder for all of us to learn something if we are worried about doing it well enough? The presence of an animal reduces that self-consciousness and supports the capabilities of a more relaxed mind.
In her thought-provoking book, Why the Wild Things Are, psychologist Gail Nelson writes eloquently about animals in the lives of children. She cites studies demonstrating that when animals are present in the classrooms of young children, it helps them gain control of the emotional swings that are part and parcel of early childhood. Dr. Nelson also notes that by third grade, animals are much less in attendance – probably for the same logistical reasons it is hard to bring animals into traditional therapy sessions.
In my own clinical office, I have fish, which, while not being as physically accessible as a cat, dog, or guinea pig, are still a source of projection for the children I work with. “Can you see Mr. Little?” I might ask. “Does he feel shy like you do sometimes?” “How do you like my shark? He thinks he’s so tough he doesn’t have to listen to anybody –does he remind you of anyone?”
In so many ways, animals connect children to a reality larger than themselves. A child who cannot bear to share with his brother or make a concession to please his sister may faithfully walk the dog or forgive a chewed-up baseball glove learning to nurture and empathize in the process. The companionship and devotion typically provided by the family pet can be of great consolation in a hectic household, at times when a child is “in the doghouse,” dealing with a tough transition, or feeling sad or lonely.
Pets of all kinds can truly be a "family's best friend."
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Armarkat Cat Bed, 22-Inch Long, Brown List Price: $30.00 Sale Price: $25.47 Average Rating:   |
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Pet Bed: C11CZS MH Soft Velvet with waterproof and skid free base. Filled with extra thick 100-percent poly fill for maximum comfort; Machine washable; Color: Brown and Ivory; Size: Cat Bed; Dimensions: 22-inch L x 14-inch W x 14-inch H |
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Marmalade Pet Sweet Lounge Cat Bed List Price: $159.00 Sale Price: $119.99 Used From: $99.99 Average Rating: |
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Sweet Lounge Perfect symmetery and balance offer your pet a heightened sense of aesthetics 34"l x 11"w x 10 1/2"h Handcrafted in the USA Sweet Dreams. |
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SmartCat Bootsie¿s Bunk Bed and Playroom for Cats List Price: $47.89 Sale Price: $32.47 Average Rating:  |
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This attractive unit combines your cat’s two favorite pastimes: playing and sleeping. After a vigorous workout batting toys in the gym, kitty can sack out on the top bunk for a restful nap or escape into a secluded, dual-entry hideaway... |
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JLA Pets Rectangular Cuddler 14 by 18-Inch Cat Bed, Brown List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $19.99 Average Rating:  |
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Soft and sturdy tricot outer fabric, super soft Microtec sleep surface, generously filled with recycled polyester. |
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Slumber Pet Thermal Cat Mat - 22" L x 18 1/2" W - GRAY List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $9.99 Average Rating: |
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Our Thermal Cat Mat keeps cats warm and comfortable without the use of electricity. This is also a perfect size for puppies and small dogs. This cozy mat features a lightweight core that actually reflects pets own body heat back to the animal... |
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K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed, 16-Inch Diameter, Sage List Price: $67.99 Sale Price: $29.95 Average Rating: |
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The K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed has a dual thermostat 4 watt heating unit buried deep within its thick, super soft, orthopedic foam base. It warms the surface 10-15 degrees above ambient air temperature to a cat pleasing 102 degrees when in use... |
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Armarkat C01HKF/MH Cozy Pet Bed 20-Inch Diameter, Mocha Beige List Price: $28.00 Sale Price: $22.95 Used From: $22.99 Average Rating: |
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Pet Bed: C01HFK MH Faux Suede and Soft Velvet with waterproof and skid free base. Filled with extra thick 100-percent poly fill for maximum comfort. Machine washable Color: Mocha and Beige Size: Cat Bed or Extra Small Dog Bed; Dimensions: 20-inch L x 20-inch W x 8-inch H |
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SmartCat Rooftopper for the Bootsie's Cat Bunk Bed List Price: $29.99 Sale Price: $19.47 Average Rating: |
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This sturdy wood structure turns Bootsie’s Bunk Bed and Playroom into a fully functional playhouse. The Velcro™ perimeter on the underside of the sisal covering attaches firmly in place and the whole unit then slides easily onto the playroom frame... |
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K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed, 16-Inch Diameter, Mocha List Price: $67.99 Sale Price: $37.04 Average Rating: |
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The K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed has a dual thermostat 4 watt heating unit buried deep within its thick, super soft, orthopedic foam base. It warms the surface 10-15 degrees above ambient air temperature to a cat pleasing 102 degrees when in use... |
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Mysterious Kuddle Kup Cat Bed, White List Price: $14.99 Sale Price: $11.99 Average Rating: |
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The Secret is in the fluff. Works like a magnet - cats love it! This Cat Bed is Electrostatically charged to capture dander, flea dirt, hair and dust. The ultra-soft polyester fibers act as an insulator, to absorb and hold the heat, keeping your kitty warm and cuddly year-round... |