Mom Chooses To Keep Three Family Dogs Despite Her Son's Allergy To Pet Dander
Having a child who is allergic to your family pet can be terribly upsetting, but it happens all the time. According to the Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), it is estimated that up to 30% of people with allergies go through allergic reactions to dogs and cats.
Many think that the pet's hair is what's causing the allergies and the sneezing and wheezing. According to the AAFA, it's actually the proteins found in their saliva, urine, or pet dander.
These proteins are often found in furniture, surfaces, and clothing; they stick at full strength and can remain there for a long time. Pets can also introduce other allergens to your home, like pollen.
A Redditor who goes by the username u/JustWinginItAsIGo made a post on the r/AmItheA**hole subReddit where she explained how she discovered that her son might have an allergy to dogs. The mom decided to keep all three dogs despite her son's allergy and chose to separate them to prevent any potential harm from occurring to her son.
The Reddit community had a lot of different reactions to u/JustWinginItAsIGo's post. Scroll down to check out the full Reddit post, and scroll a little further to read the comments from the original post.
Here's the original post by Reddit user u/JustWinginItAsIGo:
Here's how the Reddit community reacted to u/JustWinginItAsIGo's post:
Separating a child and three dogs is definitely not easy.
The Parent-Dog Dilemma: A Psychological Perspective
Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a developmental psychologist at Harvard, points out that the decision to keep pets despite allergies reflects deeper parental instincts and attachments.
Parents often face conflicting priorities, and emotional bonds with pets can be as strong as those with children.
This situation raises questions about parental identity and the sacrifices made for one's children versus beloved pets.
"It's been exhausting with the constant cleaning but we're doing it."
OP is making all necessary accommodations to make sure her son is healthy.
It's not easy to abandon your dogs after 8 years together.
Research from the Journal of Family Psychology shows that decisions around family dynamics are often influenced by emotional attachment rather than purely rational considerations.
In this case, the mother's decision may stem from a desire to maintain the familial structure that includes the dogs, which can be seen as part of the family unit.
OP might need to find a new home for the dogs.
"... you would be inflicting harm on all involved to spare your own feelings."
"You do your best to minimize the allergen and you treat it."
Navigating Allergies and Family Dynamics
Experts recommend open communication within families to address the impact of allergies on daily life.
Creating a pet-free zone in the home or exploring hypoallergenic dog breeds could be practical steps to take.
Furthermore, involving the son in discussions about pet care can foster empathy and understanding while addressing his health concerns.
Internet strangers can be pretty explicit and mean.
"You can't keep the fur and danger away from him in the same house."
Your child should come first, especially if they are actively suffering because of your choices.
Another factor to consider is the emotional regulation involved in parenting decisions.
Studies indicate that parents often prioritize emotional well-being over logistical issues, which can lead to conflicts in family values.
Understanding this dynamic can help families navigate these difficult choices more effectively.
This user went through a similar experience and thinks OP is the a-hole.
OP has to take a lot of factors into mind if she wants to do this right.
That's a good first step before finding a better solution.
OP has to choose between her child and dogs.
Your child should always come first.
Even the pediatrician is not sure if the dogs are causing the allergies.
OP's son could potentially be miserable because of her decision.
OP should have provided more detail about the situation.
Things could get much worse if OP doesn't act fast.
OP will need some to adapt to her new situation. However, once the doctor confirms that the dogs are causing the allergy, she needs to find a more permanent solution.
Failing to do so will only cause more harm to her child and worsen his condition. If you enjoyed reading this, make sure to check out similar content on our platform.
Expert Opinion
This situation highlights the tension between emotional attachment and practical health concerns in family life.
It's important for families to engage in open dialogue to navigate these complex dynamics, ensuring all members feel heard and valued.
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Ultimately, balancing family dynamics with health considerations is a challenging task for many parents.
As noted in psychological research, finding compromises that honor both emotional attachments and health needs is essential for family harmony.
