Pets reduce loneliness and boost self-esteem in children

Clinical Psychologist Cumali Aydın from Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital has highlighted the psychological and psychosocial benefits of children growing up with pets. According to Aydın, pets provide unconditional love and non-judgmental friendship, which can strengthen a child's sense of secure attachment, particularly during the preschool years.

Citing research from the American Psychological Association (APA), the reports note that children with pets often report higher self-esteem and lower levels of loneliness compared to their peers without pets. This emotional bond helps foster a fundamental belief in being worthy of love.

Furthermore, participating in pet care can instill a sense of responsibility. Simple tasks, such as refreshing a bird's water or filling a dog's bowl, teach children that their actions have a direct impact on the life of another living being. Aydın emphasizes that these responsibilities should be tailored to the child's cognitive and motor development stages.