Benefits of Pets for Kids with Learning Difficulties
24th May 2018
Categorized Under: Playscripts
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Jenny Holt, a freelance health writer for a number of health sites and magazines
sent us the following articles to share them with our readers.
CYBERULLYING – THE COMPLETE RESOURCE GUIDE
CREATING SPACES THAT ARE ADHD- FRIENDLY FOR KIDS
MOVING HOUSE: HOW TO MAKE MOVING EASIER ON YOU AND YOUR CHILD
HELPING CHILDREN RIDE THE STORM
THE POWER OF ART FOR ALL CHILDREN
SPECIAL NEEDS GARDENING: SOWING SEEDS ON MANY LEVELS
HELPING YOUR YOUNG CHILD DEAL WITH ECZEMA
THROWING AN INCLUSIVE BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR A CHILD WITH ADHD
SAFEGUARD YOUR CHILD’S LUNGS BY ASTHMA-PROOFING THEIR BEDROOM
THE IDEAL ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR HOMESCHOOLED CHILD
THE IMPORTANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY AND HOW TO TEACH IT TO YOUR CHILDREN
EDUCATING KIDS ABOUT ORTHODONTICS
DEALING WITH CHILDHOOD CANCER DIAGNOSIS IN YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD
HOW TO BUILD CHILDREN’S CONFIDENCE BY TEACHING THEM CLOTHES MAKING
HOW TO INTRODUCE MEDITATION TO YOUR KIDS
GETTING YOUR CHILD INVOLVED IN A PENPAL PROGRAM
Thanks Jenny!
Benefits of Pets for Kids with Learning Difficulties
A study from Oregon State University shows that a family dog could be a great ally to help kids with disabilities or learning difficulties in several ways. Not only can they help facilitate more physical activity in the children (which has innumerable benefits to the body and developing brain). A pet can also improve the motor skills for kids with writing difficulties and strengthen empathy and therefore social interactions.
Amazing Results with Animals and Kid’s Development
A facility dog or therapy dog is more than just a way to strengthen the immunity of your child because your pet has mixed with other animals. A dog is also great assistance in helping a child reach their goals. These types of dogs can serve as a motivator for children feeling frustrated or low in confidence because of learning difficulties. These animals can also make therapy both entertaining and fulfilling for children with the challenges that come with conditions such as Down syndrome, more severe learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism.
In a study within the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, positive effects of companion animals were observed in both children and adolescents hospitalised for severe mental disorders. Time spent with the animals proved to reduce unpleasant emotional and behavioural symptoms and enhanced psychological performance. In studies of dogs allowed into classrooms in Austria, along with a survey of 1,400 teachers (70 percent of which approved the animals in class), marked benefits to students were recorded in attention, motivation within the classroom, positive moods, empathy, and cognitive development.
If You’re Not a Dog Person
Dogs are not the only option when it comes to animal work and learning difficulties in children. Horses can also open a new world to kids with these struggles. Therapeutic horse riding, supervised by a certified instructor, can be an excellent option for families who can’t have a pet in the house, or for kids who don’t do well around dogs. In these sessions, children work on social, emotional, and physical aspirations as they learn to sit correctly in the saddle, hold and steer the reins, and command the horse. Riding a large animal can be a profound confidence boost to a child—especially when they are feeling down about their abilities in schooling or other areas of their developing lives.
Potential Benefits to Your Child
There are numerous benefits to your child in addition to helping with therapy sessions and confidence. Kids build time management skills as they plan for feeding and care. Walking a dog will help burn off excess energy. Your child can enjoy another form of unconditional love from their pet when they have a hard day at school. Petting and cuddling an animal can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Moreover, caring for a pet helps develop empathy. Many kids with ADHD struggle with empathy, and this is an excellent way to begin to strengthen that trait.
Some Considerations Before Getting Your Pet
Think about some considerations before investing in a pet. Take some time to contemplate what kind of animal would be best for both your child and your family. If your child struggles with impulse control, be sure to avoid tiny, fragile creatures they could accidentally squeeze too hard and injure. With dogs, smaller breeds may be cute, but are not always as calm and can sometimes be very territorial. Labs, golden retrievers, and border collies are popular dogs for these reasons. Whatever animal you choose, be sure to keep a careful eye on the pet with your child and vice versa especially in the beginning. Help them adapt to each other, show your child how to take the best care of them, and the rewards can be astounding.
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Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/2EwCx5d4Y1c
Tags: ADHD, autism, children, dog, horse, learning difficulties, learning disabilities, pet, therapeutic horse, therapy dog