Some parents keep there preschoolers away from other children to prevent them from catching illness How might theses parents actually harm there children?

Answer 1

There is a great deal of evidence that children who are 'mollycoddled' when very young can grow up being sickly and prone to all sorts of Allergies, Asthma and so on. This is scientifically explained in than in a child''s developmental years (ie in early childhood) not only is the child's body developing but also his or her immune system. If an immune system is to develop correctly it needs to be exposed, within reasonable limits, to mild infections in order that the relevant antibodies can be produced in the body to fight more aggresive forms of disease should the child contract any of them later. The incidents of asthma, allergies and intolerances (eg peanut/gluten/wheat intolerance) have increased a great deal over the past 50 years or so and many scientists believe that because we live in a more sanitised society, full of chlorinated water, prepackaged sterile foods, sell-by dates that are taken as gospel rather than as a guide, food thrown away if it shows slightest spoiling or dirt on iits surface and so on, our bodies have not developed as robust immune systems as they should. So, those who keep their children wrapped up in cotton wool may be doing them more harm than good. I am not suggesting that parents should abandon all forms of hygiene, but, as long as it is a reasonable amount, a little dirt never harmed anyone.