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Children rank pets in their 'top 10' nearest and dearest
The importance of pets in children's lives
Pets are nearly as important as parents in a small child's life according to a report published in the UK*.
Children turn to pets when they need a friend, confidante or protector. In fact, pets hold a similar status in children's lives to parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, teachers, best friends, nannies and childminders.The study found that dogs, in particular, often superseded humans as a child's 'best friend'
The study conducted by two psychologists from the University of Warwick asked children who they would turn to in a troublesome situation. Pets featured in childrenıs top 10 replies.
Seven-year-olds said that they would take their dog (second to their father) as their protector if walking down a dark alley.
Children considered their cat just as important as their mother as a source of comfort in times of stress and illness.
These findings complement existing research indicating that pets play an important role in helping people recover and cope with illness**.
Dr June McNicholas and Dr Glyn Collis co-authors of the report say pets are not judgemental and this helps children form a special bond. "Pets are important because they donıt care if a child hasnıt performed well at school or has done something silly or naughty. "No matter how bad a child's day, a petıs unconditional love can help repair self- esteem."
Denise Humphries, Consultant to Petcare Information and Advisory Service is not surprised by the report's findings. "Pets have long been considered conducive to a person's social, physical and emotional well being.
"You only need to see a child's face light up when theyıre with their pet, to understand the important role pets play in a child's life," Ms Humphries said.
* "Child Representations of Pets in their Social Networks" Dr June McNicholas and Dr Glyn Collis, UK, November 2000.
** National Opinion Poll Survey (July 2000) conducted on behalf of The Blue Cross Animal Welfare Charity, United Kingdom. Sample: 200 GPs in England, Scotland and Wales.