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How Animal Interaction Improves Child Development

A Maze'n Farmyard

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A family amusement park in Eden Valley, Minnesota, A Maze’n Farmyard features everything from a 20,000-square-foot maze and giant slide to a mini golf course. A Maze’n Farmyard also offers numerous opportunities for interacting with animals such as ponies, deer, goats, and a kangaroo.

Many individuals know animal interactions are hugely beneficial, and this is especially true for children. Below are some of the ways children benefit when they have a pet, live with a foster animal, or interact with animals outside of the home:
- Respect: Just like human beings, animals can enjoy interaction, but they may want some space. By interacting with animals, children learn to recognize these boundaries and learn that both animals and people deserve respect.
- Empathy: Being around animals gives children the chance to respond to the animals’ needs and recognize anxiety and fear. These opportunities to nurture teach children to be more empathetic and concerned about how others feel.
- Health: Children who interact with animals are more likely to have improved health. Kids with pets are often more physically active and animal involvement promotes faster recovery from illness. Further, animals reduce the rate of asthma and hay fever, and boost the immune system.
- Appreciation of nature: Animals serve as a window into the domestic and wild realms of nature. By learning about animals, children often develop a fascination with wildlife in general. As a result, they may learn more about nature and come to appreciate it.