Children love animals. A child, reaching 5-6 years old, asks his parents to get a kitten, a puppy, a hamster for him. Communication with animals is very important for children, but not all parents are ready to agree that an animal lives in the house. In such close proximity to a pet, many see only problems. Parents are afraid that the animal will be aggressive towards their baby, that he will have allergic reactions, besides, a new family member needs to be fed, bathed, taken for walks - in a word, constantly looked after. Experts say that if you make the right choice and buy an animal that will suit the character, age characteristics of the child, you can bring considerable benefits to your child.

Benefits of pets for children

A pet is not just an animal that will run around the house, play, entertaining the owners and the baby. It can become a real close friend of the child, have a huge impact on his development. The first thing a child who has a favorite pet learns is discipline and organization, the ability to take responsibility for themselves and their loved ones. The child begins to understand that a pet requires care, understanding and love, unlike toys.

Social adaptation

four-legged friend can become for the child not only a devoted comrade, but also a real psychologist who will help him quickly adapt to environment. It has been noticed that children who have pets from early childhood get used to a new team faster and find friends more easily. They are much more sociable, calmer than other children.

Physical self-improvement and development

The child develops physically, strengthens the body and body, playing with the animal in the fresh air, running with it, walking it all the time. He has no problems with coordination and nervous system, as animals perfectly calm, relieve stress and relax a person.

Personal, intellectual and spiritual development

Pets become indispensable assistants in introducing the child to the outside world. Through his pet, the child enriches himself with the first valuable knowledge about nature. The child likes to follow the behavior of the animal, stroke it, analyze the behavior and draw conclusions. The baby quickly develops sensory skills through communication with animals. Animals also have a beneficial effect on the logical thinking of the child. He begins to understand cause and effect relationships. The kid becomes observant, inquisitive, his imagination is unusually rich and rich. The first real experiences of the baby (joy, delight, affection, sympathy, pity) are often associated with a beloved pet. learns to appreciate real beauty, feel the beauty and love the world in which he lives.

At the age of 3 years, the child is actively engaged in the knowledge of the world around him. Can get a pet for a child of this age, but parents need to understand that caring for the animal falls entirely on their shoulders. For children 3-4 years old, aquarium fish, a hamster, a guinea pig, a parrot are suitable. Before acquiring an animal, you need to have a conversation with the baby, tell him about the features of the future pet, his character.

Children aged 5-6 years

At the age of 5 years, the child can already partially perform some of the duties associated with caring for a pet. Children are able to give their pet food, water, clean up the drinker, but it is desirable to control this process. At this age, experts advise opting for a rabbit, hamster or guinea pig.

Child aged 7-8 years

At this age, children can take care of pets. Useful informative stories about animals, thanks to which they learn new things about their favorite pet. For children 7 years old, you can get the animals listed above, as well as a cat or dog.

Communication with animals- this is a guarantee of the harmonious development of the baby and the correct knowledge of the world around him.

I want a cat, I want a dog, a mouse, a bird, a fish... From the age of five, children begin to beg for an animal to take care of, and usually they don't care what it is - well, at least the devil is bald! And care, of course, for the pet parents.

How to satisfy the child's need to take care of our smaller brothers and at the same time not get yourself headache for 10 years? We found out which pets will not cause any problems for parents, but will please the kids.

1 Guinea pig

This cute face is a rather intelligent animal that behaves calmly, but at the same time does not resemble a plush toy. In addition, the guinea pig is really capable of becoming attached to a person.

Joy:

• a pig needs only a spacious cage - this is its main habitat. Occasionally, the animal can be let out to run around the apartment under supervision to stretch its paws;
• the pig eats grass, simple vegetables and fruits, as well as special food from the pet store, which is not very expensive, which makes keeping the pig inexpensive;
• Guinea pigs are not capable of aggression, so you should not be afraid that the animal will bite or scratch the child;
• the pig is a tame animal, it can be safely squeezed and stroked, the pet gets used to hands and gladly allows itself to be stroked. Just make sure that the child does not overdo it and does not hurt the pig;
• The guinea pig is an animal with intelligence, it can be taught simple commands and it readily responds to its nickname. The more you communicate with your pet, the more "tame" your pig will be.

Muck:

• the age of the guinea pig is short-lived - only 3-6 years old, by this time you need to be ready to part with the animal;
• if your child is allergic or his immunity is weakened, it is better to choose another pet - guinea pigs, especially long-haired ones, are considered quite allergenic animals;
• if you do not take care of your pet too much, it can smell bad. But if you change the filler in the cage in time, clean it and periodically bathe the pig with products from the pet store, there will be no problems with the smell;
• the little pig is rather cowardly to get used to you, it takes time, so do not demand too much from the animal at once - let the animal get used to it first.

2. Turtle

There are land, and there are water - for the aquarium. In both cases, the turtle is easy to care for - no special time or investment is required. This leisurely amphibian will not cause any troubles and worries.

Joy:

• the turtle lives for a long time, if there are no emergencies, the animal will live with you for about 30 years - the baby will have time to grow up and have its own babies;
• one of the slowest animals - you won’t have to chase her around the apartment, playing catch-up;
• turtles do not have hair that will remain on furniture, it does not make sounds - therefore it will not bother you in any way;
• the water turtle is a rather meditative creature. It is so pleasant to watch how she leisurely splashes in the water, crawls out onto an island of land and exposes her muzzle to heat;
• the necessary minimum (and it is also the maximum) is an aquarium for an aquatic turtle and a Plexiglas box for a land turtle;
• pet food is also simple - greens, vegetables and grass.

Muck:

• not every child will be interested in this unshakably calm and slow creature, there is a chance that the baby turtle will disappoint;
• squeezing and hugging a turtle will not work, yet the shell is not a fluffy body.

3. parrot

The most cheerful and bright pets. If you want him to be friends with you - buy one parrot, if you want less communication - buy two, then they will perfectly exist together.

Joy:

• the parrots themselves are inexpensive (of course, if you do not choose exotic breeds), as well as their food and cage. Therefore, it turns out that the maintenance of these bright birds does not require special investments;
• parrots love to play, so from time to time you can please them with all sorts of ladders and mirrors from the pet store;
• the child will be interested in talking with the bird, watching how it repeats funny sounds, chirps, sits on a finger, moves on its shoulder - this is very funny;
• parrots live 10-15 years, this is considered ideal for a small child. When the time comes to part with the pet, the baby will already turn into a teenager and will not perceive the separation acutely.

Muck:

• parrots are very noisy. Your home will always have a soundtrack. If there is a baby in the house, it is better to refuse the bird;
• it is necessary to regularly clean the cage, change the water, wipe toys, change food;
• even though the parrots are small, feathers and husks from food will definitely fly around their cage;
• if you let the parrot fly around the apartment, make sure that it does not gnaw on the spines of books, corners of furniture and other objects that are “convenient” for the beak.

4. Chinchilla

An incredibly cute and beautiful creature, and her plush fur coat will completely conquer you! The pet lives quietly alone and is content with the company of a person. Chinchillas usually have a calm and docile nature.

Joy:

• an interesting feature of the chinchilla is that it has practically no sebaceous and sweat glands, so the little animal always smells very tasty;
• the chinchilla is smart, if you teach her to go to the toilet in one place, it will also be clean in her house;
• even a preschooler can clean and clean the cage after a pet - it is always dry in her house, she does not produce much dirt;
• The chinchilla is peaceful and has no claws. If you hurt her, she may "bite" slightly, but only as a warning;
• chinchillas good health- they rarely get sick and live 16-20 years;
• you can teach your pet easy commands and basic training skills.

Muck:

• chinchilla life schedule - night. She wakes up after lunch, at 17-18 hours, and is most active around midnight, just when we are already sleeping sweetly. An active chinchilla gnaws at the house, branches and stems, champs loudly while eating and runs around the cage. Therefore, you need to put her cage at night in a place where you will not hear her at night;
• very rarely, but people can be allergic to chinchilla food, not to itself;
• the chinchilla itself is not cheap, yet it is a rather exotic animal;
• the pet needs to occasionally take sand baths for a full life. When a chinchilla bathes in the sand, he flies in all directions, and then you have to clean it all up. In addition, the sand itself (cleaned) is not cheap;
• not every chinchilla will be able to cuddle and stroke, as a rule they are quite naughty and do not like to sit on their hands.

5. Hamster

Who first comes to mind when we are puzzled by the purchase of a small pet for a child? Of course, hamster! Hamsters are unpretentious, cheap, do not require special care and investments. In addition, the whole life of a rodent takes place within the cage, which means that a child can also be entrusted with taking care of it.

Many parents and psychologists believe that a child simply needs a pet. But what animal is better to have in an apartment? After all, a pet in the house is an additional burden on parents.

Birds and fish as pets

Babies still lying in the cradle are able to watch the fish in the aquarium or listen to the birds singing. Fish can be the very first and safest way to introduce a child to wildlife.

There are no allergies to fish, caring for them is quite simple. At the age of two years, the child is able to feed the fish, daily pouring the norm of food prepared by the parents into the water.

You can start with the simplest fish. Guppies, swordtails, malinesi live well in small aquariums. It requires a cleaning pump, a compressor and a backlight. Water can be changed once a week by draining ¼ of the aquarium and adding new water directly from the tap.

Immediately after the birth of the baby, songbirds are just as good. Forest goldfinch, siskin and crossbilly with their unobtrusive and native Russian chirping pacify not only the baby, but also all family members.

Budgerigars are very sociable, so they are suitable for an older child who can feed them and even teach them to speak.

Large parrots are birds with character and are not harmless to a baby. Their beaks are large and strong, and they are capable of intentionally hurting a child.

What animal is better to have in an apartment?

For children over two years old, it is better to have a pet in an apartment with which tactile contact is possible. Stroking and touching for children and animals mean attention and affection.

The land tortoise, for example, is a good choice if you don't need the hassle. She can go without food for six months and hibernate hiding in a cool place.

The turtle is difficult to squeeze, it hides securely in its shell. Meanwhile, the turtle is not at all lethargic, you can communicate with it, talk and stroke it.

An animal not deprived of attention can even respond to a nickname. Knocking with claws, it runs up to the owner, eats from the hands and exposes its head for caress.

Pets such as small rodents can also be kept in the apartment. Provided that the child does not have allergies. Mice are not very suitable for keeping in an apartment due to an unpleasant, indestructible smell.

But such animals as hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, dwarf rabbits are more suitable animals for keeping in an apartment. They are nice. Pleasant to the touch and unpretentious in content.

Many keep rats in the apartment as pets. Some zoologists consider them even smarter than dogs. Rats in the apartment will require more attention, but not in care - it is enough to regularly clean the cage and feed.

The rat is active and smart, and she needs to be played with, picked up, talked to. Even trained. Without attention, she can suffer.

If you are not ready to give your all free time communicating with a rat, you can make her a same-sex friend.

Then it is better to buy two at once and put them in a cage at the same time, then there will be no bloody conflicts. It is not worth keeping heterosexual rodents in an apartment, unless you decide to breed them.

The most popular pets to keep in an apartment are, of course, dogs and cats. It is better to take a kitten or a puppy to the house for children older than 3-4 years. But remember that the fluffier the cat or dog, the more allergenic its coat.

Of the cats, the most allergenic is the Persian breed. The least allergenic are Siamese, Sphynx, Russian Blue, Abyssinian.

The nature of pets living in the apartment

To form the character of a pet in the right direction, you need to take the animal to the apartment as a cub, just taken from its mother. But some animals are not amenable to either training or education.

Exotic animals are not suitable for an apartment, especially with a small child.

First, many of them, for example, snakes are carnivores. That is, they will periodically consume live food in front of the child - mice and frogs.

Secondly, for example, monkeys are distinguished by inappropriate behavior; sometimes you need to take care of them even more than a child. And monitor lizards and crocodiles are able to attack.

The most tolerant dogs for children are St. Bernards, Newfoundlands, Spaniels, German Shepherds, Labradors, Boxers, Schnauzers, Airedale Terriers and mutts.

Poorly charming toy terriers, dachshunds, greyhounds and greyhounds, bulldogs, bull terriers, South Russian shepherd dogs get along with children.

Among cats, experts consider the Angora, Burmese, Himalayan, Manx, Korat, Burmese, Ragdoll, Burmilla, Russian Blue to be the friendliest.

Which animal is better to have in an apartment is up to you, but remember some rules.

After two years, the baby is able to learn the rules of behavior with animals.

Forbid the child to take away food from the animal, pull its paws, ears and tail, do not lie on it.

Teach your child to follow the rules of hygiene: do not kiss the animal, especially on the nose where there are a lot of bacteria.

Wash hands after every interaction.

Choose an animal to live in an apartment with children. Everything is a collar, a leash. try to buy a cage with your child. So the child will immediately feel responsible for the pet.

All children love animals. Usually, at the age of 6-8 years, a child begins to ask his parents to buy him a kitten, a puppy, a guinea pig, a hamster, - anyone, as long as some kind of live animal, because children highly value communication with animals. But many adults see only problems in the appearance of a four-legged friend at home. The possible manifestation of aggression on the part of the animal to the baby is frightening, the need to constantly care for and clean up the pet. However, if you choose an animal that is suitable for the age of the child, his character and interests, then most of the unpleasant moments can be avoided.

The role of animals in children's development

Pedagogical aspect

A pet is not only a source of warmth, affection and friend, but also has a huge impact on the development of the child. Next to a four-legged friend, the child learns to be organized and disciplined. A pet teaches a child to be responsible for others. The child realizes that the animal is not a toy, and it needs to be looked after, fed, and walked daily. Communication skills with a pet will help the child in adulthood, he will learn to be responsible for his actions.
Depending on the age of the child, the degree of responsibility in relation to the pet is also determined. So, at the age of 3 years, a child can walk a dog or a cat with his parents, help pour food, make sure that the animal always has clean water to drink. A child of 7-9 years old can already be trusted to walk a small four-legged friend on their own. At the age of 14-15, a child can become the owner of an animal and bear most of the responsibility for it.

Social adaptation

A four-legged friend for a child is the best psychologist and assistant in matters of social adaptation. Children who have a dog are easier than others to join a new team and make friends. A dog can help a shy child make contact with peers in the yard, find buddies. Neighboring children will definitely start asking about the animal, trying to play with it, so communication between children will start by itself. Walking your pet together can bring even the most reticent kids together.

Physical development

pet contributes physical development child. When a child walks with a dog, plays ball with her, he is in constant motion, he develops proper coordination. In addition, communication with animals relieves stress, contributes to the establishment of relationships in the family.

intellectual development

A pet helps a child to get to know the world around him. The four-legged friend is the source of the first knowledge about nature. The child observes the pet, its behavior, notes the reaction to stroking, to various commands. The animal is also of great importance in the development of sensory skills in a child. Through the senses, the child perceives objects and learns to name them: shape, size, color, smell, movement, texture of wool, location, etc.
Communication with a pet develops logical thinking. The child learns to see connections and dependencies. For example, if a cat stands by a bowl and meows, it means she is hungry, if a dog rushes to the door, jumps up and waves her tail, then she wants to take a walk.
The animal is the source various kinds activities, as a result of which the child develops observation, curiosity, develops fantasy.

moral development

The animal allows the child to experience the first experiences and joys. A four-legged friend gives rise to positive emotions, which is very important, because in modern world It is the positive experiences that are lacking most of all.
Communicating with a pet, the child develops a sense of beauty, he learns to see natural beauty. The careful and caring attitude towards a pet that a child shows is transferred to him and to the entire animal world as a whole.

Which pet to choose for a child

Child 3-4 years old
At this age, the child actively learns the world. You can already get a pet, but for now, adults will have to take care of it. Children 3-4 years old are better to start aquarium fish, parrot, hamster, guinea pig or rabbit. The child must first be told about the habits of the animal, characteristic features. At first, the child will simply observe how the parents take care of the pet, and then gradually become involved in the process of care.
It should be remembered that children are able to show their interest in living creatures in the most unexpected forms: to get a fish from an aquarium to hold it in their hands, to stroke a bird, to wash a hamster. Therefore, adults should always be careful and not allow children to commit such actions. It is necessary to explain to the child that this cannot be done, otherwise the pet may get sick.
Child 5-6 years old
At this age, the child's responsibilities for caring for a pet can be expanded. At 5-6 years old, you can already be entrusted with washing drinkers, pouring food on your own and pouring water into a bowl. But for now, the child must do all this under the supervision of adults.
For children of this age, you can get aquarium fish, birds, a guinea pig, a rabbit, a hamster.
Child 7-8 years old
Children at this age can take care of a pet almost on their own. It will be very useful to read stories about animals in which children can learn new information about the habits and characteristics of various representatives of the animal world. Adults should make it clear to children that animals need to be created conditions close to natural, and they need to be fed with what they eat in nature.
In order for the child to gain skills in caring for different animals, to conduct comparative observations of their behavior, you can get several pets, for example, a parrot and fish.
At primary school age, a child can have the same animals as for earlier ages, as well as a dog or cat. But caring for four-legged animals should not yet be completely shifted to the child.

Things to think about before getting a pet

P First of all, you need to understand that you are getting a pet not only for your child, but also for yourself. If the child is still small, then most of the responsibilities for caring for a pet will fall on your shoulders. Think about whether you are ready to take on a new burden of responsibility and new worries. When you get a pet, you get a new family member, which will require not only a lot of attention, time, but also certain financial costs.
It is also worth considering whether your living conditions allow you to have a pet. If you live in your own home, you can have any animal. And in a small apartment, even fish may not find a suitable place.
If you are still not ready to keep a pet, then it is better not to start it. Otherwise, when you decide to give the animal away, it can be a great tragedy for both the child and the pet.

Dangers from pets

Animals can be a danger to children. First of all, it is an allergy. If a child or someone in the house is prone to allergic reactions animal is not recommended. Also, many animals are a carrier of various infections that a child can very easily pick up. Therefore, if you have a pet, you need to periodically show it to the veterinarian and take the necessary tests. The danger can also come from large breed dogs. Such dogs are physically stronger than a child so it's best not to run them. It is also not recommended to start dogs with an unbalanced psyche.
If you choose the right pet, responsibly approach its upbringing, provide careful care, then all dangers can be minimized.

Weigh all the pros and cons and choose exactly the pet that is best for your child. Believe me, for him it will be the most best gift! Good luck!

Comments

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Vladimir Shebzukhov 3 years ago

Strict dad
Vladimir Shebzukhov

Kolya was dissatisfied with something.
And mother suddenly asked Kolya -
"Would you like to have a sister?
We would braid her pigtails,
I would grow up as an assistant ...
Everything in the house would be more fun!”

Although Kolya remained gloomy,
But he confessed to his mother
Opening your dissatisfied mouth -
“I don’t mind having a sister,
If this suddenly happens...
But dad will get angry...

You remember, remember, by the way,
How dad was very, very angry -
Then the voice of the child subsided -
When I brought... a kitten!”

Vladimir Shebzukhov 3 years ago

Pets
Vladimir Shebzukhov

The question sounded, barely subsided
The rumble of carefree children -
And keeps at home, which of them,
Any animals?

And everyone began to list
Domestic birds-animals.
Love for animals cannot be taken away
The little guys.

So Petya began to list.
He listed a hundred.

Nobody even thought.

Besides cats and dogs,
There is an earthworm.
After all, dad is nothing without him.
He is a fisherman.

And also keep
Varana (if he's not lying).
Who else will he name?
I've been waiting for the answer guys.

And surrounded by gaps,
Face suddenly making smart
Added, raising his nose -
Frozen mackerel!

Vladimir Shebzukhov 3 years ago

Natalka
Vladimir Shebzukhov

Natalka was known as a robber.
A little something - a stick was waiting for the boys!
And not by chance in the yard
The girls hid behind her.

Didn't get bored with her.
I could give an idea
Something to stir up...
Everyone wants to be friends with Natalka!

To distract the child from noisy affairs -
We decided to give a kitten.
Dad added, by the way:
"Play with the kitten how you want!"

She said, stroking the wool, Natalka -
“As I want, then so to me - sorry!”

Vladimir Shebzukhov 3 years ago

Pets
Vladimir Shebzukhov

The question sounded, barely subsided
The rumble of carefree children -
And keeps at home, which of them,
Any animals?

And everyone began to list
Domestic birds-animals.
Love for animals cannot be taken away
The little guys.

So Petya began to list.
He listed a hundred.
Such living creatures to keep
Nobody even thought.

Besides cats and dogs,
There is an earthworm.
After all, dad is nothing without him.
He is a fisherman.

And also keep
Varana (if he's not lying).
Who else will he name?
I've been waiting for the answer guys.

And surrounded by gaps,
Face suddenly making smart
Added, raising his nose -
Frozen mackerel!

Vladimir Shebzukhov 3 years ago

chow chow
Vladimir Shebzukhov

Vovka boasted in the yard
Dog "chow-chow"
Only the question was answered
Everyone exclaimed "Wow!!!"

Heard the children for the first time
About that strange breed.
The story never ends.
But not tired, it seems.

And "chow-chow" on the lips
Everyone has already heard.
And Vovka, apparently not tired
Tell first.

One question led to another.
Everything seemed clear.
“Is it really your doggie,
Eats only meat-meat?

Didn't know the exact answer.
But, you have to answer.
I thought and then said...
"Of course it's true!"

Maria Soboleva

How to choose a pet for a child?

Pet for a child. Is it worth getting one, who is better to choose, will your child love the pet and take care of it? You should take into account a lot: the age of your offspring and his character, your own ability to care for the animal, the pros and cons of keeping different representatives of the fauna.

What are the benefits of a pet for a child?

A pet in the house teaches the child love for animals, empathy, kindness. Of course, if the parents themselves set an example of a proper attitude towards a living being.

It is especially useful to get a pet for a spoiled child - it is easier to re-educate his egoism, to wean him from the belief that the world revolves only around him.

The new inhabitant of the house must be constantly taken care of, depending on his needs. Caring for an animal teaches children discipline and responsibility.

A pet for a child becomes a teacher of communication, they often talk with pets, play, and this is important for the development of speech and communication skills.

Which pet is better to choose

Let us now consider the traditional representatives of the domestic fauna, regardless of the age of their little owners.

Rats

Some of these animals are embarrassing, causing disgust and fear. But those who decide to choose rats will not regret it - they are very smart, friendly and funny. Students can even train animals.

And in care, this living creature is unpretentious - if a child forgot to feed a friend, it's not scary. But the minus of the content is that the rats do not live long (2-3 years), you will have to somehow explain to the children the reason for the loss in a gentle form.

Hamsters

A popular pet, but hamsters are best for school-age children.

To avoid the smell, you will have to clean the cage regularly, the child can crush the animal by trying to pick it up, and the animal can bite or scratch out of fright.

The life span is also short - an average of 2 years.

Guinea pigs

A friendly pet, very sociable - the pig needs to be stroked often. Can live from 7 to 10 years, depending on the conditions of care.

The pig will need a spacious home, regular cleaning of the cage, always clean water and a plant-based diet. You can choose as a pet for a preschooler, but keep in mind that the maintenance will be mainly your concern.

rabbits

You can get a fluffy for small children if you are ready to personally deal with an animal that needs to be combed out regularly, cut its claws, often clean the cage, otherwise an unpleasant smell will appear in the house.

Make sure that the child does not crush the rabbit, because he has a fragile physique. The fluffy creature is very mobile and requires regular walks. Lives from 6 to 8 years.

fish

It may be interesting for a baby to watch the fish only at first, because you can’t stroke them, pick them up, play with them. But a teenager can be interested in aquarism - a useful hobby for your child.

Fish do not require constant care, they soothe nervous system, suitable for children of melancholy temperament. But at the same time, watching the inhabitants of the aquarium will help calm the hyperactive child.

birdies

Birds are noisy pets. Ready for the constant chirping and singing? Just do not put a cage with a bird in the daytime in the room where the child is engaged or relaxing.

But in order to develop speech, parrots are very useful, because children can teach them to talk. But the bird cannot be stroked or played with like a kitten.

If treated well, birds can live in your home for a long time (about 20 years).

Dog

Most often, children ask to give them a puppy. The desire of the child is quite understandable - he wants to make a real friend.

Smart, loyal, loyal, active, sociable animal - the dog has a lot of virtues. Caring for such a pet will teach the child care, discipline, kindness. But there are many difficulties with the content. A large dog eats a lot, animals need brushing their teeth, ears, bathing, training, walking.

Most of the responsibilities can only be taken on by a child of adolescence. The presence of such a pet will help distract children from bad companies and protect them from bad habits.

Cat

Many children also want to get a kitten. Some even pick up a homeless foundling.

This is a contact pet, and this is a big plus - you can stroke it, hold it in your arms, scratch it behind the ear. It is playful, he does not need walking, there are fewer problems with feeding. At the same time, the cat will not tolerate the rude attitude and aggression of the child, which teaches the children to be patient and be able to restrain emotions.

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