Being a parent is hard work. And these days, it’s even harder for parents since you hear a lot of conflicting information about what’s good and what’s bad when it comes to your child’s habits.
To help clear things up, here are some ‘bad’ childhood habits that are actually good for your child!
1. Using a pacifier
Some parents worry that their child might get to attached to using a pacifier, so they opt to not give their kid a pacifier at all. Some parents also fear that their child’s teeth might have problems if they use a pacifier.
And while those are true to an extent, one of the most important benefits of using a pacifier is that it can prevent SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome. It also helps kids deal with anxiety, which can be helpful to prevent tantrums and fits of crying.
So don’t worry too much about your kid and pacifiers. It might actually be saving their life!
2. Playing video games
Ah video games. They’re fun, and they can also sometimes be addictive if you can’t control your child.
However, video games can actually improve your child’s hand-eye coordination, and improve their critical thinking skills. Of course, it’s important to limit their video game time to a maximum of 2 hours each day, and make sure that they’re playing age-appropriate games.
It’s also better if you can join in with your kid so that you can make video game time a bonding activity for you and your child.
3. Playing in the dirt
Playing around in the dirt is something that a lot of parents don’t allow their kids to do. However, studies have shown that kids don’t necessarily have to be 100% clean all of the time. In fact, being exposed to germs and playing around in the dirt can help boost their immune system since their bodies slowly adapt to the environment.
So the next time you see your kid playing with dirt, don’t worry about it too much.
4. Running around barefoot
Similar to playing in the dirt, some parents don’t allow their kids to run barefoot for fear of germs getting into their children’s feet. However, this is nothing to worry about since if you keep your home clean and scrub your floors every so often, you don’t need to worry about any harmful bacteria.
In fact, walking and running around barefoot helps develop your child’s postural muscles and improves their foot arch strength. Just make sure they don’t run around barefoot outside!
5. Playing with pets
A lot of parents worry about letting their babies play with pets since they fear that the pet might hurt their child or that the pets are too dirty. However, some new studies suggest that exposing children to pets early on while their immune systems are still developing can lower the risk that their child will develop pet allergies later on in life!
So let your dogs play with your child, just make sure that you’re there to supervise!
Source: rd.com
READ: The amazing tip that would help you easily discipline your toddler
