Pets Can Improve Social-Emotional Skills in Kids
Did you know that pets have been proven to improve the social-emotional skills of kids? Guess what? Reading about pets can have the same benefits! It’s true!
Kids need to have a pet in their lives. There, I said it. Now, before you go judging me, hear me out. A recent study conducted by Current Psychology has found that having a pet can be incredibly beneficial for a child’s mental health. And no, I’m not talking about owning some exotic animal like a snake or spider (although if you’re brave enough to do that, more power to you). I’m talking about owning a common house pet like a dog or cat. Apparently, these furry friends can reduce stress levels and help kids feel more connected.
Having access to a furry friend helps kids:
- Lower blood pressure
- Increase emotional expression and control
- Boosts the immune system and reduces stress through the power of touch
- Reduces depression and feelings of loneliness
- Improves empathy for others
While adding a pet to your home can bring lots of PAWSITIVE physical and mental health benefits, it’s not always ideal for every family.
The next best thing? READING about pets!
Most kids love animals, so it’s no surprise that reading books about pets can be beneficial for them. According to a study conducted by the University of Windsor, children who read stories about pets have better self-esteem and social-emotional skills. The researchers analyzed 26 studies that looked at the effects of reading pet stories on children’s behavior. They found that kids who read about pets had increased empathy, social skills, and self-esteem. So if your child is struggling with any of these issues, consider reading them some books about animals!
Children have long been naturally attracted to animals, which is why they have been such a popular type of character in stories throughout the centuries.
Have your kids make their very own pet! Read to the bottom to get your free pet for your desk craft!
New books from Dusty the Dog help kids with social-emotional skills
For kids, the smallest Oops! can lead to weeks of overthinking, restless nights, and feelings of guilt. In a new book by Tammy Fortune, Dusty’s Big Oops! kids learn how to deal with disappointment, fear, anxiety, and shame.
Here’s what D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer at Midwest Book Review, said about the story: Kids will laugh at Dusty’s ability to unleash chaos in the classroom, and adults will appreciate the opportunity to point out how to accept responsibility when “my oops kept getting bigger and bigger.”
Dusty’s Big Oops! presents the perfect marriage between fun and learning, and promises an engaging story that helps adults deliver not just one but a series of important life messages.
It’s highly recommended as a leisure read for young animal lovers that will spark further opportunities for engagement and absorbing early lessons on positivity and turning negative problems into insights on better choices.
Help your little learners handle feelings of anxiety or fear of making mistakes by reading Dusty’s Big Oops! Grab your copy today!
Social-Emotional Activity Book About Friendship
Have some “friend-tastic” fun with Dusty and his animal pals in an activity book companion to Dusty’s Big Oops!. Kids will love the Dusty and Friends Activity Book About Friendship’s fun activities while learning important concepts about friendship such as sticking together, helping each other, being understanding, sharing, trusting each other, and being kind.…
So, if you can’t add a real furry friend to your home or classroom, try stocking your bookshelves with children’s stories that feature man’s best friend.
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Check out these posts about other books that support social-emotional health.
A Children’s Book That Teaches Anger Management Skills
Tips for Teaching Social-Emotional Learning
Grab your free Dusty the Dog Pet for Your Desk 3D craft here.
