Pets can be great for kids in so many different ways - some of which may surprise you, says vet Dr Zara Boland 

Children <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/cat/pets/1215662103573" target="_blank">love pets</a> &ndash; and for good reason. Animals large and small can educate, delight and offer a unique kind of companionship.In the UK, an estimated 12 million households (46%) have a pet. Learning how to care for a pet can help to teach kids life-lessons of responsibility, showing affection and respecting boundaries. Plus, of course, few things are as rewarding as looking after another being who can become a best friend!  <h2>Move it</h2><img alt="child_petting_dog__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/child_petting_dog__hero_GL?scl=1">Walking a dog or running around the garden with a pet is a great way to get kids outdoors and more active. Allowing younger children to help <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/all-dry-dog-food/wagg-complete-worker-chicken-veg-dry-dog-food/910000302316" target="_blank">scoop food</a> and <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/cat-accessories/good-girl-shades-of-steel-cat-bowl/4469301" target="_blank">fill water bowls</a> can not only help build a sense of responsibility, it can also help to improve their coordination skills. Treat to buy: Do cat-ch up! Your kitty will love to chase the <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/cat-toys/hartz-just-for-cats-feather-ball-teaser/910002353292" target="_blank">Hartz Just for Cats Feather Ball Teaser</a>. <h2>Great pals</h2><img alt="child_kissing_pet__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/child_kissing_pet__hero_GL?scl=1">Caring for a pet may additionally boost aspects of a child&rsquo;s emotional development, too &ndash; such as self-esteem and enhancing their social skills. Close relationships with dogs and cats are linked to the development of empathy in children with one study showing that 75% of 11-14-year-olds turn to their pets when they&rsquo;re upset.In fact, assistance dogs are even used in schools to help learning-challenged pupils improve their reading skills. A child who feels too nervous to read aloud to an adult can find it easier to read to a pet. Treat to buy: The ultimate cat snacks. Bon a-pet-treat! <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/cat-treats/dreamies-cat-treats-with-tasty-chicken/910000034205" target="_blank">Dreamies Cat Treats with Tasty Chicken</a>.<h2>Fun for all</h2><img alt="child_playing_with_dog__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/child_playing_with_dog__hero_GL?scl=1">Along with the responsibility it brings, having a pet is also fun. Whether it&rsquo;s a dog, cat, bird, rabbit or small furry animal, a pet can bring joy to any home!Treat to buy: Cattitude! Bond with your cat using <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/cat-toys/hartz-just-for-cats-mini-mice-trio/910002352540" target="_blank">Hartz Just for Cats Mini Mice Trio</a>.<h2>‘Daisy has taught the boys to be affectionate&rsquo;</h2>Jardine Howlett from Sutton lives with her sons Max, five, and Leo, two, and cat Daisy, five. She says, ‘We got Daisy in September 2012 from animal charity Cats Protection when Max was just one. She adores the boys and acts like Leo&rsquo;s nanny. She&rsquo;ll join him for his nap and, in the evenings, keeps watch by his door. Leo helps feed her, covers her with blankets and always kisses her goodbye.&rsquo; There's loads more treats for your pet this Easter at Asda. <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/cat/pets/1215662103573" target="_blank">Head online</a> or <a href="http://storelocator.asda.com/" target="_blank">pop into your local store</a> to browse the full range.

3 reasons why pets are great for children

By Asda Good Living,10th April 2017

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