The circus is coming soon to Oakland and San Jose. The spectacle of wild animal tricks is thrilling family entertainment for parents who want to give their children the best in life. Parents should be aware of these events subtle effects on their children.
As a child psychiatrist, I’ve seen first-hand the correlation between the way children treat animals and how they treat humans. Children who abuse animals tend to be more aggressive toward humans. They often have behavioral issues at school and home when they are teenagers. They may continue to show violent tendencies as adults and engage in criminal activity.
Parents who take their children to a circus indirectly teach them that animals can be treated as objects and that they should ignore the pain and suffering they may feel. They may not have the ability to handle the emotions of others. They will find it difficult to get along if they cannot recognize someone in distress.
Children who learn to respect and treat animals the same way will be able to do the same with humans, considering the needs of both themselves and others. Research studies have shown that emotional intelligence is a combination of the development of empathy and the ability to collaborate in social situations. These are essential components for success at school, in the workplace, and in personal relationships.
Circus animals such as elephants and tigers are not willing to participate. They are not domesticated and have never been trained to live or work with humans. They have sometimes suddenly attacked spectators and run amok. Trainers use whips, chains, and catches to control the animals. Wild animals who jump through hoops and stand on their heads are unnaturally performing acts.
These performances teach children that it’s okay to make another creature do something stressful and painful as long as the entertainment is good. This attitude will affect their relationships and harm them in the long run.
Circuses with human acrobats can be a great alternative to animal shows and are equally enjoyable for children. Nature videos are the best choice if you want to teach your children about wild animals.
Watching a group of elephants play in the mud, drive away predators, or care for a baby is educational. Elephants are intelligent, complex, and fascinating creatures. Elephants live in large extended families, where younger generations learn survival skills and social behavior from their elders.
Circuses with human acrobats can be a great alternative to animal shows and are equally enjoyable for children. Nature videos are the best choice if you want to teach your children about wild animals.
Watching a group of elephants play in the mud, drive away predators, or care for a baby is educational. Elephants are intelligent, complex, and fascinating creatures. Elephants live in large extended families, where younger generations learn survival skills and social behavior from their elders.
Children who are taught to respect and appreciate all life will develop an understanding of empathy. Nothing is more important than raising socially responsible, successful citizens.