Even the happiest of kids can experience anxiety, whether it’s from school pressures, social challenges, or changes at home. Symptoms might include trouble sleeping, irritability, or even physical complaints like stomachaches.
If the symptoms are not severe, a pet may be the answer to helping your child go through this period of uncertainty. An animal, whether it’s a dog, cat, parrot, or Iguana, can become your child’s best friend and provide the type of support you never could. This is why many people of all ages have an emotional support animal (ESA).
However, suddenly integrating a pet into your family life requires careful planning to ensure both the child and the pet benefit positively from this experience.
In this article, we will explore how you can implement pet therapy effectively within your family to foster emotional well-being in children dealing with anxiety.
The Science Behind Pet Therapy for Children
Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT), is a recognized complementary treatment approach that has gained traction in psychological and therapeutic settings over recent decades.
Research that supports pet therapy shows that interactions with animals help reduce anxiety, depression, and stress among various people. When children spend time with pets, their bodies release oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and reducing stress. It’s like a natural calming signal that reassures them they are safe and loved.
Additionally, caring for a pet can enhance a child’s sense of responsibility and self-esteem. Kids feel empowered when they take part in feeding or grooming routines. Also, pets encourage verbal and non-verbal communication, which can be particularly beneficial for children who struggle to express themselves.
Various studies also suggest improvements in emotional regulation among kids who engage regularly with pets. They learn patience while waiting for their pet to respond or adapt to their environment.
How to Get an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?
An ESA is a pet that provides comfort and support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression. Unlike service animals, which receive specialized training to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities, ESAs are not required to have formal training.
Their primary role is to offer companionship and emotional relief through their presence. While they don’t have the same public access rights as service animals (like entering restaurants or stores), ESAs do benefit from certain housing protections under laws like the Fair Housing Act in the U.S., allowing them to live with their owners even in properties with “no pets” policies.
Also, not every animal can become an ESA. Although various species qualify beyond traditional pets like dogs and cats, common choices include rabbits, birds, and guinea pigs. But the species is not necessarily the issue here – their temperament is.
An ESA should have a temperament that allows for calm interaction with their owner. They must not pose a risk to themselves or others in the household. So, when you choose an emotional support animal, you must pay attention to temperament and compatibility with your child’s lifestyle.
Before you make this move, it’s best to speak with a licensed therapist. Organizations like CertaPet can provide you with a consultation with a licensed mental health professional and an ESA letter (if needed) via telehealth.
Next, it’s time to prepare your home environment for the new family member.
Create a Safe Environment for Kids and Pets
A safe environment for kids and pets involves establishing boundaries, supervising interactions, and teaching children to handle animals gently.
Designate specific areas where pets can retreat when they need quiet moments alone (and yes, they do). Teach your child to respect their pet’s needs and supervise the first few rounds of playtime to prevent misunderstandings or accidents.
Pet-proof your home similarly to childproofing; remove any potential dangers like objects or spaces where a pet might get stuck or injured.
While an ESA does not require specialized training like service animals, basic obedience training is beneficial. If they are a trainable species, teaching them basic commands such as sit, stay, and come helps manage interactions more effectively.
Socialization is also important. Expose your pet to various environments and situations so they become comfortable around different people and other animals.
Wrap Up
In the long term, pet companionship can enhance emotional stability and reduce anxiety in children. It also teaches them about resilience and empathy, positively influencing their development well into adulthood.