Hello! Welcome from OHIO! I think having farm animals is really good for youngsters. I was just saying to my step daughter, Brittany, as we were outside watching the chickens, that it was very relaxing to watch the chickens--just like watching fish in an aquarium. I'll bet they really help your son relax.
I would also like to get a few goats (for poison ivy and poison oak control). Had one picked out, but changed my mind because the budget is kind of tight right now.