Animals can be great sources of comfort to our kids – and to us! Mary Renck Jalongo, PhD, professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (yes, no mistake) and author of The World of Children and Their Companion Animals, has conducted multiple studies of kids and their relationship with pets. We’re not surprised that pets help reduce stress but it’s very interesting that when Dr. Jalongo did a study asking kids what advice they would give less-popular kids for making friends, they said: “Get A Pet” because an animal gives you something to talk about and share with other kids.

Dr. Gail F. Melson, PhD, professor emeritus of Developmental Studies at Purdue University, and author of Why the Wild Things Are: Animals in the Lives of Children, agrees. She did a study with 5-year-olds with pets and asked them what they did when they were sad, angry, afraid or had a secret to share. More than 40% mentioned turning to their pets. Dr. Melson said: “Kids who get support from their animal companions were rated by their parents as less anxious and withdrawn.”

Kids are well aware that their pets are comforting, in social situations as well as during life stresses.