We Develop More Empathy Studies report that children who live in homes in which a pet is considered a member of the family are more empathetic than children in homes without pets. They can identify better with animals than human beings. Animal psychology is very simple. With animals, what you see is what you get. Humans are not as direct.
Children can read an animal's body language.
As children get older, their ability to empathize with animals will carry over into their experiences with people. We Develop An Outward Focus Individuals who have mental illness or low self-esteem focus on themselves. Animals can help them focus on their environment. Rather than thinking and talking about themselves and their problems, they watch and talk to and about the animals. Nurturing Nurturing skills are learned.