Is it true that pets can make children healthier?
You may have heard the idea that pets can trigger health problems in children. This of course makes you feel worried. However, did you know that raising animals has a positive impact on your little one? Come on, see the facts in the following article. A study has shown that having pets, such as cats and dogs, is good for children’s health and development. The positive effects obtained by children can include physical and mental health, supporting growth and development, increasing intelligence, and practicing their social interactions.
However, having children who have to live at home with pets does require special supervision. Parents also need to understand how to raise safe animals so that they have a positive effect on children’s health and development.
Some of the Benefits of Having Pets for Children
Apart from some of the positive effects mentioned above, there are several other benefits of having pets for children, including:
1. Reducing the risk of allergies in children
Studies have shown that children raised in a home environment with pets have a lower risk of developing allergies and asthma. Experts also argue that the presence of pets can build a child’s immune system due to early exposure to certain germs.
In addition, children who grow up with cats and dogs at home tend to be more resistant to pet hair allergies than those who do not have any pets.
2. Foster empathy and a sense of responsibility
Love, care, and responsibility cannot just appear in children. These good values need to be honed by giving examples to children. Well, having a pet is one way to teach children about empathy and responsibility.
By watching parents care for pets at home, children will learn to know how to love animals, feed animals, bathe them, and even invite them to play.
In addition, learning to care for animals and treat them well, can also form a child’s personality that is more patient and empathetic towards others.
3. Helping children learn and be more confident
According to experts, having a pet such as a dog or cat can improve children’s learning abilities. Psychologically, children who have pets tend to be more obedient, less fussy, and can learn better.
4. Helping the development of children with special needs
It is also known that children with ADHD benefit more from having pets. Pets can also help improve socialization and play skills for children with autism.
5. Reducing stress in children
Who doesn’t love cute and cute pets? Playing with pets can certainly make us feel happier and calmer. This effect is also good for reducing stress, including stress in children.
Several studies have shown that children who play and care for pets more often have lower stress levels than children who rarely play with animals.
Not only that, children who have pets will also move more often, for example when playing with cats or taking dogs for a walk. This makes children exercise more and become more active.
Guide to Owning Pets for Those of You with 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 condition
If you and your partner or one of you has allergies to animals, it’s best not to have pets in the house from the start. Likewise, if the child is born or if the child has an allergic reaction to pets.
Children’s safety and comfort
Generally, pets that are accustomed to being around humans will not intentionally hurt children. On the other hand, children can also be trained to interact with pets from an early age, especially if the animals are friendly and friendly.
However, make sure you always supervise and be around your child when he is playing with pets.
Pet and home hygiene
The cleanliness of pets and the environment around them must always be maintained properly, because there is a possibility that pets can transmit bacteria, parasites, and viruses to your little one.
In addition to these, the following are guidelines for owning a pet for parents of children:
• Place pets in a different room from the baby. Do not allow babies to lie in the same room as pets without supervision.
• Do not allow pets to lick the baby’s face, as there is a risk of passing the infection to the baby’s eyes or mouth. Wait until the baby is older to play directly with pets.
• Avoid the habit of cuddling with pets, because there is a possibility that they wallow in the trash outside the house, sniff or lick other animals, and catch fleas from other animals.
• Teach children not to hurt animals, for example hitting, taunting, and pulling their tail or ears. Also teach not to disturb animals that are sick, sleeping, or eating.
• Choose a pet that is still small because it will be safer for children. Some animals are safe enough for children to keep, such as cats, dogs and ornamental fish.