Can Fido and Whiskers Enrich Children’s Lives?

[groovedaddy]

In this era of mommy confessionals, I must admit: I am not a pet person. With their allergic father, I have reared three children without benefit of in-house canines, felines or invited rodents.

But with researchers beginning to focus on children and pets, I find myself interested, though occasionally cynical or defensive.

Pediatricians are asked pet-related questions all the time. What’s the right age to care for a pet? The best way to discuss a pet’s demise? Do we get rid of the cat if one child is allergic to him? Will the dog bite the baby?

For such a tremendously widespread phenomenon as pet ownership, there has been very little research to steer by.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/

[no_hypocrisy]

1. Yes, if for this alone:

pets provide and accept unconditional love, something you would want to nurture in your children.

[MineralMan]

2. I think they can, but there's no

imperative about kids and pets. Some people have them; some don't. Some kids bond with pets; some don't. Follow your own thinking on it, I think.

[hedgehog]

3. This is purely anecdote - but i think the presence of animals

allowed my children to grow in compassion and courtesy.