Pets And Children

2 Pages 404 Words

CNN/Health is tackling the issue of children, pets, and the relation the two have on allergy sufferers. In an article titled, "Infants exposed to pets may have fewer allergies," the following is stated: "Contrary to many parents' instinct, infants who grow up with cats or dogs may be less likely to suffer from allergies and asthma later in life. Most research has focused on how to reduce allergy sufferers' exposure to household irritants, such as dust mites and pet dander. But new evidence suggests that exposure to pets early in life might actually help the body build defenses against allergies and even asthma..."
There was a study that came out looking at household pets and the possible protective effects it may have on children developing allergies later in life. The study basically said that children with two or more pets, whether they are dogs or cats, reduce allergies by up to 50 percent. Those sorts of allergies were from dust mites, grass, ragweed, things like that.
Children can learn the importance of responsibility at an early age by acting as a caretaker for a pet. Fish are a terrific first pet because children can play a large role in caring for them. However, other pets that require more attention, like a cat or dog, can present an ideal opportunity for parent and child to bond while caring for the pet together. Showing children what it means to be responsible for another creature's survival can result in teaching important life lessons such as discipline, patience, kindness and attentiveness.
Walking the dog, feeding the guinea pig and talking to the parrot can serve as fun study breaks for kids, and a replacement for television programs and video games. These pet-related activities help children remain focused on the task at hand, and are less likely to become distractions that will prevent homework and chores from being completed.
Bringing a pet home and into the family can be an effective way to help prepare ch...