How pets can help military kids

A newly released study by the American Academy of Pediatrics says that children in military families suffer various emotional and behavioral stresses at twice the rate of kids living in civilian households. Military families might consider pet adoption as a way to not only reduce their kids’ anxieties, but to help fill a companionship void left by a deployed father or mother. Pets deliver real emotional and physical benefits to kids, as well as to adults. Here are just a few of the many proven health benefits of family pets:

• Reduced stress and incidence of depression
• Just 30 minutes in the company of a dog improves feelings of happiness and well-being
• Fewer feelings of loneliness
• Animals have a positive impact on children’s attitudes about themselves, and boosts their ability to relate to others

The study noted that as many as 30% of children in military families reported feelings of anxiety, such as fear of being alone or getting scared for no apparent reason. A family pet can go a long distance to subdue these fears, as well as provide a non-threatening, non-judgmental friend to share feelings.