Pets can be important for child development. And while not every family can have an animal in their home, those that can may produce kids with better self-esteem, cognitive development, and social skills.

Studies have suggested that pets can also help reduce stress, provide social support and companionship, and improve kids’ communication skills.

This could be true of any pet – cat, dog, snake, chicken, etc.

Parents know that some of their sweetest photographic memories come from moments between their kids and their furbabies. In fact, hundreds of millions of people have watched various montages of clips and photos in which babies, toddlers, and teens can all be seen snuggling their animals.

And we have a new one for you to watch.

Of course, it’s absolutely crucial to teach your child good behavior around pets and train your animals well to avoid those less-than-sweet moments. These heartwarming scenes do not include pulling hair or smacking, things that parents need to intervene with immediately.

Once kids and pets know how to play together, the fun is endless.

From hugs to hoses, dogs and kids can keep each other entertained for quite some time.

Dogs sometimes grow so attached to their human “siblings” that they become the ultimate guardians and protectors over them (although this does not mean it’s ok to have your dog babysit).

There are even sweet scenes in which dogs can be seen pushing swings for kids and “picking them up” at the bus stop.

Pets can even help make naptime more palatable as well, since it’s easier to sell your child on a quiet snuggle than it is on a nap.

Some of the most adorable moments come when babies and dogs get together – especially when a baby loves its dog enough that the animal brings a smile to their face every time they meet.

Dog kisses and other antics can get a good laugh out of everyone in the household and make for wonderful family memories.

Dogs are more than “man’s” best friend – they’re typically loving to all humans in a household (though they may sometimes pick a favorite), big and small.

In fact, you may find that your dog spends less time with you and more time with your kids if it chooses a role as protector.

Of course, dogs require work and not every moment is picture-perfect. One commenter summed this up pretty well:

“Bringing dogs into our lives was the best decision ever. Sure they come with some challenges but what is life without challenges.”

There are also hard but important lessons to be learned when our fluffy friends leave us.

At some point, we will all have to grapple with death and losing a pet can be traumatic. If this does happen to your child, it provides an opportunity to have a constructive talk with them about how lucky we are to have relationships while they last.

It also shows them how important it is to invest our time and effort into the moments we have left with the ones we love.

If you needed any more proof that children and pets can make a great combination (providing that parents work hard to make their relationship constructive) look no further than the over 180,000 comments on a video posted by The Dodo, many of which are stories and photos of viewers as children with their own beloved pets.

Be sure to scroll down below to see the video of these precious childhood moments spent with pets.

It’ll no doubt have anyone lucky enough to have ever had a pet reminiscing about their own.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: The Dodo via Facebook, Psychology Today,