Wellbeing 

SWPBS -

These students have all received 10 or more tokens for showing our school values in their attitude and behaviour.

Congratulations to:

Caspian A. 1JG

Paige N. 1MG

Cleo W. 0JD

Lauren B. 0BD

Milla D. 0TJ

Chad H. 1BK

Zoe B. 1JG

Ellie K. 0LN

Pets can benefit our little ones physically and emotionally

Recently a friend handed me an interesting article by Renata Gorton on children and pets. The article came from a real estate pull out section in the Herald Sun newspaper, dated 7th August, 2021.

The emphasis of the article, ‘Why kids and pets belong’, was the value-added aspect of having a pet for a child’s development and the type of adult they would grow up to be.

‘Research shows that pets teach kids values such as responsibility, empathy and positive attachment as well as social and emotional skills. 

ACPC Psychology’s principal developmental psychologist Azza Brown says it’s important that children learn to care for someone other than themselves. “Animals need food and shelter, nurturing and care. They teach a lot of important values and impact how children treat other people, gently and with kindness,” she says.’

‘TV Vet Dr Lisa Chimes agrees that children thrive from this sense of responsibility. “It is empowering them to take charge and not only improves their ability to be leaders but also teaches them empathy,” she says.’

The article suggests that as a child matures, they be given greater responsibility in looking after their pet. It helps the child to recognise that there is a family system in place and the pet is a part of that.

Azza Brown also adds that, ‘ “Emotional regulation is another aspect. Kids that could be sad or have anxiety say that when they are with their pet, everything feels better. They feel secure and calm.” ‘

If it’s possible how wonderful to provide all of that for a child, especially right now during this pandemic, but also knowing the longer-term positive impact it could have on them. Of course, some pets require a higher level of interaction with their owners than others. The 

level of responsibility varies with the type of pet as well. 

For example, a dog requires greater maintenance than a goldfish. However, dogs provide a great deal more interaction than fish. The article infers that there are a couple of important considerations to make prior to purchasing a pet. These are, the age of your child and which pets will best suit your lifestyle. However, once the pet is properly settled in with a family, the benefits are worth the time and effort invested.

If it’s not possible to have a pet, once we are allowed to do so, encourage your child to undertake pet visits with the pet of a relative, friend or a neighbour. Perhaps there’s an elderly person in your neighbourhood who can no longer take their pet for a walk? 

Also, your child may have a special toy or toys that they can actively take care of and interact with?

If you are happy for your child’s photo to be published, please send in a photo of your child with their favourite pet or toy to me at annelawrybhps@gmail.com and I will select a few to go into our next school newsletter.

Keep on keeping on has never been more relevant in recent times than right now!!

Stay strong,

Anne Lawry

Chaplain