Toddlers prefer live animals to toys

An interesting article, whether you take it as true research or not.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9228729/Toddlers-prefer-live-animals-to-toys-research.html

littlewid-x-

Interesting. I'm all for live animals if at all possible.

Lai

I think it shows that Children prefer something that interacts, and moves naturaly. Mrs S used to work at a hospital, where the wards had people with dementia ,and mental problems, some who had'nt spoke for months to staff or anyone else. We had a puppy called Sam, and for the first few months Mrs S used to take him into work, in the sowing room where she worked, and then used to sneak him onto the wards under her cloak, as she went round. It was amazing how a lot of these people straight away reacted to Sam, they would cuddle him, stroke him, and talk to him. To me that shows there is a natural infinity between humans, and animals, and it does them good to be exposed to animals.
My one concern with the survey, is the talk about removing fears of some animals like spiders, and snakes, it's OK removing the fear, as long as its replaced by respect that some of these animals can be harmful, and dangerous

WS

I agree with your last sentence WS but that is all down to education, be it the parents or teachers and then in turn with the interest in the animals, the children will start learning for themselves.
I know Lara, Kian and Ella all prefer the animals to toys, their respect of the animals is lovely to see and the knowledge that Lara, being the eldest has accumulated is just amazing. I also believe animals teach you, love, compassion and understanding plus an enormous lesson on patience.

How lovely that Sam gave so many people so much enjoyment, so good on Mrs S for sneaking him in
Many more hospitals and nursing homes are involved with pet therapy and many now have resident cats or dogs which I see as an enormous leap compared to how they used to be.

Our vets are supporting National Pet Month and have many things going on at the surgery, apart from all the general charitys and canine partners etc they are also supporting Pet Therapy. One of the things they had at the surgery was a wonderful cake stall, so guess who brought lots of cakes yesterday did my bit for charity and the kids ended up with lots of yummy cakes for the weekend ......I may have had one or two myself as well

littlewid-x-