The benefits of developing empathy with animals are :
- Improves confidence as they take up the responsibility of respecting animals.
- Pro social behaviour due to sharing and caring .
- Finding a calm and lessening aggression.
- Developing empathy and respecting their needs.
- Cognitive ability is improved as they understand animal welfare and rights.
- Problem solving skills are learnt during sickness, emergency and boundary settings with animals.
- A positive impact on environment and world is also the goal for animal lovers.
How to teach kindness towards animals to children?
- While interacting with animals, talk to hem using a soft tone and just as you talk to an infant.
- Explain to children how animals require basic necessities like clean food, water and shelter.
- Show them safety for animals by checking the bonnet of the car and under the car during cold seasons.
- Participate/Organize vaccine/adoption/neutering camps in your area.
- Discuss how animals do feel a variety of emotions.. Just like us.
- Teach them via animal themed books or a movie, as they grow let them have more discussions on their habitat, their origin -family and how they have evolved.
- Always use positive reinforcement when your is learning.
Most importantly :
- Setting boundaries is important as you tell them to touch animals gently.
- Not to chase a reluctant animal or name call them .
- Awareness of vaccinations and sickness in animals is also important
- Never use words like ‘shoo’ and respect their space.
- Educate children about animal vaccinations and the importance of washing hands well after contacting any animal.
