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Pet theory
VIOLENCE AND VICE, murder and mayhem have practically become a way of life these days. Though we may shrug our shoulders and sigh about a wicked world that cannot be reformed, we hardly ever pause to analyse the reasons for this scenario. But if one were to study the psychology of anti-social elements - be they common thieves or hardcore criminals - one would discover that the cause for deviant behaviour is the lack of a harmonious home environment. Children who are raised without adequate love and care or who hail from broken homes, invariably grow up to be maladjusted individuals.
The `lonely child' syndrome has become all too common, what with the pressure on both parents to earn. In the absence of grandparents, relatives or friends who can help in parenting, it is hardly surprising that an increasing number of children lead isolated and frustrated lives. As their energies and emotions are not channelled properly, they are vulnerable to corrupting influences and soon imbibe negative values, which find expression in various forms of aggressive behaviour.
However, there is one way of helping the lonely child who craves love. And that is by encouraging him to keep a pet at home — be it the four-footed or the feathered kind. While the pet soon becomes a close companion, the experience of rearing it teaches its young owner values of caring, compassion and sharing.
Doctors and psychologists have observed that children who have pet animals are healthy and happy. Apart from building positive values, pets help their owners cope with sorrow, anger and pain and even loss.
The death of a dearly loved dog or cat can be shattering for a child but the very process of coping with the loss is a lesson learnt for life. So, children who are peeved when there are no people around them should be encouraged in indulge in a `pet' passion.
O. M. MURALI
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