There is a natural link between children and animals. Animals appear in children’s literature, babies sleep with teddy bears and other animal-themed soft toys, and a trip to the zoo or local farm to see animals is a highlight of their week.
More than a third of infants choose an animal name as their first word, which goes some way to demonstrate just how much children love animals. But why is there such as special and unique connection between children and animals? And why do children love animal characters so much?
Animals are Familiar
Often the first toys children are introduced to have an animal theme. Teddy bears, childhood classics such as Peter Rabbit toys, rocking horses, comfort blankets…. the list of animal themed attractions for children is almost endless. This means that when your child is confronted with their first real animal, their features are already familiar. Children love familiarity and routine, which is why they are attracted to the animal faces they already recognise.
Animals attract attention
From as early as three or four months old, babies begin to look around them and they are instinctively attracted to things that are colourful, move, and are easy to see. Animals fulfil all of this criteria in a way that is exciting and unpredictable. They also make interesting noises that baby likely won’t have heard before and are able to interact with and play with the child on a rudimentary and fundamental level.
It makes sense that babies love animals, particularly small household animals: their interesting, engaging, and they never tire of playing fun games!
Animals are Vulnerable
Although this is not relevant to babies and toddlers, older children tend to be very aware of the vulnerability of animals and want to protect them. Owning a pet and being able to take care of an animal of their own is a long-held ambition for most young children, and one that is important for teaching relationships, compassion, and the importance of putting the needs of others above your own. Owning a pet in this way is also a great way for children to assess their own vulnerability and their position in the world.
Animals are linguistically simple
Linguists have long examined the relationship between small children and animals, because so many of the words in the average two-year old’s vocabulary are related to animals. This is in part because animal sounds and animal names are so easy to say (with words such as cat, dog, duck, and bunny leading the pack) but also because children are simply attracted to things that are soft and fluffy, and they want to shout about it!
Encourage your child’s growing relationship with animals by providing them soft toys to play with as well as providing plenty of opportunities for them to engage with animals in the flesh. This real-life experience will help to teach them about the world around them and will stand them in good stead as they venture into adulthood.