For children, urban life is synonymous with sedentary habits, working parents and minimal outdoor play. Adopting a household pet is a good antidote and stress buster. Here is what pets can offer your child and family:

• Children will enjoy the unconditional acceptance and love that pets give.

• Pets can teach responsibility. Under parental supervision, children can discover the consequences of being irresponsible. For example, if your child forgets to feed the dog, she can be educated about the pain the animal suffers.

• Taking care of a pet, looking after its needs and the fact that the pet looks up to your child, can give her self-confidence a huge boost.

• They are an educational subject of conversation.

Also read: Mutating pet for your child