The gerbil colony that he, his brother, mother, and father jointly cared for in the family room was thriving and growing, so Nick asked if a pair of gerbils could live in his bedroom, in their own tank. When his parents agreed, he was thrilled. I'm not afraid with the gerbils here. Each gerbil weighs about four ounces, less than an apple. At the same time that children feel they can take care of and protect their pet, they also say that their pet makes them feel more safe and secure.
Pets help children feel secure in other ways.
From a child's point of view, they do not give advice, ask if your homework is done, or remind you to clean up your room. Because friends can be fickle, and even the most patient and tolerant parents make demands, a pet is a welcome source of unquestioning acceptance. Companion animals have more consistent behavior, compared to humans. How reassuring in a world that, from a child's point of view, is often confusing and sometimes frightening. I do not need to open my eyes to know that the sound originates with Buster, our tabby cat.