A study proves that keeping pets like cats and dogs is very good for the health and development of children. The positive effects children receive can include physical and mental health, support for growth and development, increased intelligence, and exercise in social interactions.
However, having children with pets requires special supervision. Parents also need to understand how keeping pets safe in captivity can have a positive effect on children’s health and development. Let Debametulam.com find out in detail about the benefits of having a pet for children through the following article.
Benefits of having a pet for children
Reduce the risk of allergies in children
Various studies show that children raised in a home environment with pets have a lower risk of allergies and asthma. Experts also suggest that the presence of pets can build a child’s immune system due to early exposure to certain types of germs.
In addition, children who grow up with cats and dogs in the home tend to be more resistant to pet dander than kids who don’t have pets. However, more research is still needed to support this.
Cultivate empathy and responsibility
Love, care and responsibility cannot only appear in children. These good values need to be forged by setting an example for children. Well, having a pet is one way to teach kids about empathy and responsibility.
By watching parents take care of pets at home, children will learn to love animals, feed them, bathe them, and even invite them to play.
In addition, learning how to take care of animals and treat them well can also develop in children a more patient and empathetic character.
Help children learn and be more confident
According to experts, having a pet like a dog or cat can improve a child’s learning ability. Psychologically, children with pets are usually more obedient, less fussy and better at learning.
Helping the development of children with special needs
It is also known that children with special needs, such as children with ADHD, benefit more from having a pet. Pets can also help improve the socialization and play skills of children with autism.
Reducing stress in children
Who doesn’t love cute and funny pets? Playing with pets can definitely make us feel happier and calmer. This effect is also very good for stress relief, including stress in children.
Several studies have shown that children who play and care for pets regularly have lower stress levels than children who rarely play with animals.
Not only that, but kids with pets will also move around more often, such as when playing with cats or walking the dog. This makes children move more and become more active.
Some things to keep in mind when giving pets to children
Before deciding to have a pet, you should think carefully about the benefits and risks. Here are some things parents need to consider before deciding to have a pet:
Health status
If you and your partner or one of them are allergic to animals, it’s best not to have a pet in the house in the first place. The same goes if after the child is born or if the child has an allergic reaction to a pet.
Safe and comfortable for kids
In general, pets who are used to people do not intentionally hurt children. On the other hand, children can also be trained to interact with pets from an early age, especially those animals that are friendly and approachable.
However, make sure that you always supervise and stay with your child when he or she plays with the pet.
House and pet cleaning
The cleanliness of pets and their surroundings should always be properly maintained, as there is a possibility that pets can transmit bacteria, parasites, and viruses to children.
In addition to these, the following is a pet ownership guide for parents with young children:
- Put the pet in a different room from the baby. Do not allow infants to share a room with pets without supervision.
- Do not let pets lick your child’s face, as there is a risk of transmitting the disease to the child’s eyes or mouth. Wait until your baby is older to play directly with the pet.
- Avoid letting children get into the habit of hugging pets as they are more likely to swam in the trash outside, sniff or lick other animals, and catch fleas from other animals.
- Teach children not to hurt animals, such as hitting, taunting, and pulling their tails or ears. Also teach not to disturb animals that are sick, sleeping or eating.
- Choose a small pet because it is safer for young children. Some animals are safe enough for children to keep, such as cats, dogs, and aquarium fish.
It is important to always supervise children when they are in the same room as pets. In addition, should also pay attention to the health status of pets in the house.
