The Power of Pets

Education News from Alleyn's | www.alleyns.org.uk

Gentry-Peacock, Head of Infants at Alleyn’s Junior School,

Mercedes tells us about the benefits of interacting with pets, even if they don’t live with you.

If you are lucky enough to own a pet you will probably already recognise how much they contribute to the wellbeing of your child, and this is backed up by science. Studies show that connecting with animals on a regular basis is life enhancing and lowers the stress hormone, cortisol while boosting your mood. All these benefits will help your child at school and give them the confidence to navigate the exciting yet sometimes tricky waters of academic work, friendships, expectations and busy schedules.

Mood

To a backdrop of worrying headlines about children’s mental health in the media, interactions with pets can play a substantial part in grounding children and alleviating anxiety. All humans need touch, and handling, stroking, or hugging an animal is likely to lower stress and anxiety. When your child is upset or worried a pet can provide comfort, and sometimes stroking their pet is all that is needed in that moment – animals don’t need words and sometimes neither do the children.

Physical Activity

Walking a dog gives a child the opportunity to exercise and have fun as they play fetch or football with their canine friend, as well as learn the responsibility of walking them on the lead. Dogs also provide a conversation starter as you meet new people on your walks, so your child will learn about social interaction too. Walks also provide you with valuable and uninterrupted side-by-side listening time, during which your child might open up about worries or just tell you how they felt about something that day.

Borrowing Pets

We don’t always have the time or space to own a pet, but don’t be put off! You may well have an acquaintance who would be happy to loan you their dog, and if not, there are websites just for this purpose. The same goes for other pets. Offer to look after the class pet during the holidays, or post an offer on the East Dulwich forum to pet sit or dog walk – all accompanied by you, of course.

Engagement In Learning

A pet really can help your child with their homework and learning! Encourage your child to count how many throws their dog will fetch, design an obstacle course for their pet to encourage creative thinking or read to their pet – all these will make learning more fun, all while improving their empathy and ability to take responsibility for an animal, which in turns improves their confidence - a win-win!

In the right environment and given the right training, pets are great fun! They bring joy and companionship to children, who immediately see a pet as a friend, and the loyalty, innocence and entertainment a pet can offer a child, and indeed us grown-ups, is sometimes just what we all need.

Useful Links

www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk www.borrowmydoggy.com