AMFM Healthcare chief psychologist Dr. Meghan Marcum contributes to Parade’s exploration of people who think of pets as their children. The article considers how strong human-animal bonds can reflect caregiving, empathy, routine, loyalty, emotional awareness, and a meaningful sense of connection.
Marcum explains that pets can play a valid emotional role and that daily care often creates comforting structure. She also encourages sensitivity to context when describing pets as children, since parents may hear the comparison differently. The larger point is that close bonds can be positive when they enrich life and coexist with healthy relationships.
AMFM Healthcare remains committed to understanding the varied relationships that support emotional well-being. This feature recognizes that connection can take many forms and that healthy attachment is best considered through its impact on daily functioning, balance, and quality of life.
