More than half (57%) of the UK population are pet owners, and around one in three consider themselves their pet’s parent. But could raising a fur baby actually make you a better parent to a child?
To explore the surprising connection between pet ownership and parenting skills, registered psychologist Dr Carolyne Keenan spoke with Open Study College, which offers online psychology courses, to delve into how caring for a pet could provide valuable preparation for parenthood.
Whether you’re planning to have children, already raising a family, or simply curious, owning a pet can help develop essential skills needed to nurture and care for a child.
How Owning a Pet Builds Parenting Skills
Emotional Development and Responsibility
“Pet ownership provides an opportunity to practice empathy and nurturing, which are critical qualities for effective parenting. When people care for a pet, they learn to be attuned to their animal’s emotional and physical needs – skills that easily transfer to parenting. This helps future parents develop patience, compassion, and the ability to manage the needs of another living being, which are all essential when raising children.”
Stress Reduction and Mental Health Benefits
“Numerous studies have shown that pets can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. For those anticipating the demands of parenthood, having a pet can offer emotional support, improve mood, and even provide a sense of relaxation amidst the often overwhelming expectations of starting a family. Interacting with pets has been shown to release oxytocin, the ‘bonding hormone,’ which not only strengthens the bond between pet and owner but also aids in creating a calm environment at home.”
Time Management and Routine
“Pets, especially dogs, require a routine – feeding, walking, and grooming – which can mirror the structure and responsibility needed in raising children. This teaches prospective parents valuable time management skills, ensuring they can balance multiple commitments and attend to the needs of a child in the future.”
Learning Conflict Resolution
“Pets often challenge their owners to practice conflict resolution. Whether it’s training a dog or managing a cat’s behaviour, learning to navigate these situations with patience and calmness prepares future parents for the challenges that will inevitably arise with children. It’s a great way to learn that not every situation will be easy, but a solution can often be found through understanding and persistence.”
Building Connection and Responsibility
“The relationship between a pet and their owner can teach invaluable lessons in connection and responsibility – two qualities that form the foundation of good parenting. By making decisions that directly impact their pet’s well-being, individuals learn the importance of prioritising others, a mindset that will serve them well when the time comes to care for a child.
“Ultimately, owning a pet is much more than a source of companionship; it’s an opportunity for personal growth and preparation for parenthood. The lessons learned from caring for an animal: empathy, responsibility, patience, and communication, are invaluable building blocks for those about to begin their journey into parenthood. While pets and children are, of course, different, the skills and experience gained from one can certainly benefit the other, making pet owners well-equipped to thrive as parents in the future.”
Real-Life Reflections: How a Dog Prepared One Couple for Parenthood
Reflecting on Dr Keenan’s insights, Claire Hancox, Recruitment Manager at Open Study College, shared her personal experience:
“Neither my husband nor I had been around kids much growing up, so when we decided to get a dog, it felt like a massive commitment that we really had to consider.
“When we brought Molly home, she wasted no time causing chaos, having ‘accidents’ in nearly every room, chewing through cables, and dragging my husband’s trainers to the bottom of the garden. You name it, she did it!
“Of course, raising a dog isn’t the same as raising a child, but it gives you a good idea of the responsibilities that go along with caring for someone who fully depends on you. Unlike cats, who are quite independent, dogs need you and rely on you.”