Developing positive feelings about pets can contribute to a child's self-esteem and self-confidence.

Children raised with pets show many benefits. Developing positive feelings about pets can contribute to a child's self-esteem and self-confidence. Positive relationships with pets can aid in the development of trusting relationships with others. A good relationship with a pet can also help in developing non-verbal communication, compassion, and empathy. Pets can serve different purposes for children:

They can be safe recipients of secrets and private thoughts--children often talk to their pets, like they do to their stuffed animals.
They provide lessons about life, including reproduction, birth, illnesses, accidents, death, and bereavement.
They can help develop responsible behavior in the children who care for them.
They provide a connection to nature.
They can teach respect for other living things.