How Animals Enhance Emotional Development in Children

8th October 2024

Animals have a unique ability to support our children’s emotional growth in profound ways. Whether through interactions with family pets or simply observing animals in the park, these experiences can significantly foster emotional intelligence (EI) in young children. Emotional intelligence helps children manage their own feelings, understand others’ emotions, and build stronger, healthier relationships—skills that are crucial both in the classroom and at home.

At the London School of Childcare Studies, we believe in nurturing these essential life skills from an early age. In this article, we’ll explore how animals contribute to the development of emotional intelligence, sharing practical examples and research that demonstrate the impactful nature of these interactions.

What is Emotional Intelligence and Why is It Important?

Emotional intelligence (EI) is all about understanding and managing emotions — both our own and others’. It’s the ability to express feelings in a healthy way, empathise with others, and form positive relationships. For children, this is key to:

Building Friendships: Emotionally intelligent children tend to make friends more easily because they can read social cues and respond in kind.
Handling Tough Situations: EI helps children navigate difficult emotions like frustration, anxiety, or sadness, making them more resilient.
Doing Well in School: Although it may seem like EI is all about emotions, it’s also linked to learning. A study in the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education shows that children with higher emotional intelligence tend to do better in school because they can focus, manage stress, and work well with others.

But how do animals come into play? Let’s take a look at how our furry, feathered, and even scaly friends can help children develop these crucial life skills.

What Animals Teach Us About Caring for Others

Have you ever noticed how your child responds emotionally to a family pet or even to animals in books and films? These moments are more than just cute interactions — they’re teaching your child empathy. When children care for or observe animals, they learn to think about someone else’s needs and feelings, which is a critical part of emotional intelligence.

For example, the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index shows that there’s a growing recognition of how connected humans, animals, and the environment are. The report highlights how children who regularly engage with animals are more likely to show kindness and empathy — both towards animals and people.

How to Foster Empathy at Home or in Early Years Settings:

At home: If you have a pet, involve your child in their care. Let them help with feeding or grooming. These small actions teach responsibility and care for another living being.
In early years settings: If a classroom pet isn’t an option, consider virtual animal experiences. Many zoos and farms offer live streams of animals that children can observe. You can use these opportunities to talk about what the animals might be feeling or needing at different times.

Social Skills Through Shared Animal Experiences

Working together to care for animals or learning about them in a group can also enhance children’s social skills. Whether it’s helping out with a school pet or taking turns to look after a neighbour’s rabbit, children learn valuable life skills like cooperation, communication, and problem-solving.

Research from the University of Southampton found that children who grow up with pets are more likely to develop strong social competencies. They communicate better, work well in teams, and are more empathetic — skills that are essential not just for academic success but for life.

Real-World Example: Imagine a group of children in an early years setting taking care of a classroom hamster. They have to agree on who feeds it, who cleans its cage, and who gets to hold it next. These kinds of group tasks not only teach responsibility but also help children navigate social interactions in a low-stakes environment, building their confidence in working with others.

Overcoming Fears and Building Emotional Resilience

What if your child is afraid of animals? This is a common challenge, but it can also be an opportunity to build emotional resilience. Gradually introducing children to animals can help them manage their fears and anxieties, teaching them coping mechanisms that they can use in other areas of their life.

Tips for Introducing Children to Animals:

Start small: If your child is nervous around animals, start with a gentle animal like a guinea pig or a rabbit. Let them observe before touching or interacting.
Use stories and media: Books and nature documentaries are great tools. Read animal-themed books together, like The Gruffalo or Dear Zoo, and talk about the animals’ emotions. What might the animals be feeling in each situation?
Virtual pet adoptions: In a classroom where live animals aren’t feasible, you could “adopt” an animal online. Some zoos and wildlife organisations allow children to track their adopted animal and receive updates, helping them form a connection.

Nurturing Compassion for All Animals

Children are naturally curious about all kinds of animals, not just pets. A study from the University of Exeter found that younger children tend to show less speciesism — they care just as much about farm animals as they do about pets. This natural empathy presents an incredible opportunity for early years educators and parents to nurture compassion and respect for all living beings.

You don’t need to live on a farm to introduce your child to different animals. Visits to local petting zoos, farms, or even nature reserves can spark conversations about how different animals live and what they need to be happy and healthy.

Activity Idea: Take your child to a petting zoo or farm, and as you go, ask them questions like, “What do you think the sheep are feeling right now?” or “Why do you think the cows need so much space?” These types of questions encourage children to think more deeply about animals’ experiences, which builds empathy and moral reasoning.

Supporting Emotional Growth Through Animal Observation

Even if your family or classroom doesn’t have a pet, simply observing animals in nature can be a powerful tool for emotional growth. Watching birds, squirrels, or even insects helps children learn patience and mindfulness — two key components of emotional intelligence. Dr. Sandra McCune’s research shows that children who regularly interact with animals, even indirectly, are better able to regulate their emotions and show increased empathy.

How to Incorporate Animal Observation into Your Day:

Mindful walks: Take your child for a walk in the park and encourage them to observe the animals around them. How are the birds behaving? What sounds do they make? Focusing on these details helps children become more mindful, which in turn can help them regulate their own emotions.
Set up a bird feeder: If you have outdoor space, setting up a bird feeder can be a great way to introduce children to the idea of caring for animals and observing their behaviour up close.

Practical Ideas for Early Years Educators and Parents

Bringing animals into the emotional development of children doesn’t have to be complicated or require a pet at home. Here are some more simple, practical ways to incorporate animals into your everyday routines:

Storytime: Choose animal-themed stories that teach emotional lessons. Books like Winnie the Pooh are great for discussing emotions and relationships.
Animal Art: Have your child draw or paint their favourite animal and talk about why they like that animal. You could even have them create an “emotion zoo,” where each animal represents a different feeling.
Role-Playing: Encourage children to pretend to be different animals. This allows them to explore different emotions in a safe and playful way.

Nurturing a Kinder Generation

By understanding and nurturing the emotional intelligence of children through animal interactions, we can raise a kinder, more empathetic generation. Whether through a family pet, observing animals in nature, or simply reading about them in books, animals provide endless opportunities for children to grow emotionally.

At the London School of Childcare Studies, we recently hosted a seminar with Dr Gemma Goldenberg, focusing on supporting emotional and behavioural regulation in early childhood. Dr Goldenberg offers educators and childcare professionals essential strategies for guiding children through their emotional journeys. You’ll be able to rewatch this insightful webinar here.

As we’ve explored, interactions with animals can significantly enhance children’s empathy and emotional intelligence. By combining these valuable lessons from our seminar with the nurturing power of animals, we can create a rich environment for developing compassionate and emotionally aware children.