The Infulence of Pets on Children of Early and Preschool Age

Utjecaj kućnih ljubimaca na djecu rane i predškolske dobi Sve životinje koje ljudi prihvaćaju u vlastite domove kako bi se s njima družili i proveli zajednički život nazivamo kućnim ljubimcima. Temeljem toga, ovaj rad sadrži kratak povijesni pregled suživota ljudi i životinja kojim se dolazi do saznanja kako se prema teoriji biofilije razvila cijela kultura vlasništva nad kućnim ljubimcima. Objašnjen je uzajaman odnos ljubimaca i njihovih vlasnika, od djetinjstva do starosti. Također se govori o čemu treba promisliti prije nabavke ljubimca kako bi se spriječilo neadekvatno odnošenje prema životinjama. Navedena je i podjela obaveza vezanih za ljubimce prema dječjoj dobi. Znanstvena zajednica slaže se da kućni ljubimci i životinje imaju značajan učinak na djecu. Teorijskim pregledom ovaj rad pokazuje utjecaje kućnih ljubimaca na razvoj djece rane i predškolske dobi te objašnjava uspostavu odnosa dječje privrženosti prema životinjama. Obzirom da su u radu temeljnu ulogu imala djeca predškolske dobi, navedeno je kako se pripremiti i koje sve čimbenike treba razmotriti kod dolaska životinje u vrtić. Nadalje, opisuje se kako tematiku životinja i kućnih ljubimaca razraditi u odgojno-obrazovnom procesu, u kojem se stavlja naglasak na održivi razvoj. Uz to napravljena je kratka podjela primjera igara i aktivnosti o životinjama. Naposljetku, istaknuta je i tzv. iscjeliteljska uloga životinja te se ukratko govori o doprinosu terapijskih, rehabilitacijskih i službenih životinja u životu djece s određenim odgojno-obrazovnim teškoćama.The influence of pets on children of early and preschool age All animals which people accept into their homes so they could accompany them in their lives are defined as pets. Based on that matter, this paper contains a brief historical preview of humans’ and their pets’ coexistence which has, according to the theory of biophilia, developed a whole culture of ownership over pets. This paper elaborates mutual relations of pets and their owners, from early to old age. The paper also highlights what is required to be mindful of before acquiring a pet, so that inadequate treatment of animals can be prevented, which is also exemplified. A breakdown of responsibilities, according to the child’s age group, was also listed. The significant influence of pets onto children is agreed upon within the scientific community. By theoretical oversight this paper shows the influences of pets on the development of children of young and preschool age, while also elaborating the correlation of their attachment to animals. The focus of this paper are preschool children, therefore a set of recommendations on how to prepare for an animal visit was listed. Furthermore, it is described how to break down certain animal and pet thematic into the educational process and child’s upbringing, where the basis promotes sustainable development. Along with that, a brief list of game ideas and activities about animals is suggested. In conclusion, so called, healing role of animals was pointed out, which briefly describes the contribution of therapeutic, rehabilitating and service animals in the life of children with certain educational difficulties