Just keep it away from the windowsill. Kids with pets are more chill and less worried because there's always someone to comfort them when they get home. Not only should you take stock of how much light your home receives throughout the day, but the direction your windows face. One thing to note: "The peace lily's flowers have pollen, so this plant might not be the best choice for people who struggle with allergies," says Vassilkioti. "That's the prime area for most of your house plants. For example, "if you're looking for a plant to put on a windowsill that receives bright direct sun all day long, choose one that thrives in those dry and sunny conditions, like an echeveria or haworthia (two popular types of succulents),"says Erin Marino, director of of brand marketing at The Sill. It's everything for pets! If you live a high-maintenance life—always on the go, out at all hours—you need an "easy going, low-maintenance plant, like the Dracaena," says Juliette Vassilkioti, co-founder and president of My City Plants. Responsibility for a pet goes even beyond changing the litter, walking, and feeding them. Other scientifically proven benefits of having an ESA is the heart rates of patients has been decreased and a flood of the feel-good hormone (oxytocin) is being released. According to Vassilkioti, they're "tolerant to some degree of neglect" (phew) and "handle under-watering better than over-watering.". They are active participants in the acquisition, training and care of the pet." Having a bird’s nest fern in your home is an instant conversation starter, thanks to its bright green, ripple-edged fronds. It was not our family’s lovable mutt Frisky, or even Murphy, my pet duck. "It's all af big game of trial and error," Horton adds. The kids become more relaxed around the pets and feel they are less judgmental in their listening. The answers will help you figure out what type of plants can thrive in your space. "South-facing windows, for those in the United States, that's going to be your brightest, most consistent light throughout the day," she adds. The corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is a North American species of rat snake that subdues its small prey by constriction. You'll score major cool points with this signature-looking plant, especially if you put it in a hanging planter, as Marino recommends. Because it's better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all, here are all the good things to remember when contemplating taking the pet plunge. Animals don't take any BS, so if the kids want the animals to be kind to them, they have to be good to their pet. Don't let the name fool (or more likely, scare the crap out of) you. After all, that's where you're likely to use household toxins, like harsh cleaners, hairspray, and nail polish remover that often contain these chemicals. No. Vassilkioti adds that this plant is fun to have around because it grows "baby spiders" (spiderettes), which can be easily propagated. While I’d love the air in my home to be more healthy and of higher quality, I definitely wouldn’t want to inadvertently poison a furry friend. She recommends watering it once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) and once every two months when it goes dormant in the fall. And, if you don't live in an area blossoming with boutique plant shops with specialists to guide you through the new plant parent process, Horton suggests buying from small businesses online, like The Sill, Tennessee Tropicals, Plant Proper, Botanica, and more. "It's okay if there's a little stumbling in the first couple of months or so." There are a few things that can take your home to the next level and prove you're a real adult: a bookshelf, a bar cart, and perhaps most of all, an indoor plant. Identifying a snake. "This plant isn't just easy to care for, it's also known as a healer," says Vassilkioti. Petbarn sells one of the biggest ranges of pet food in Australia, as well as a huge range of veterinary products and pet accessories. After reading the great list of 30 Plants That Can Detox The Air In Your Home over at Sound Body Life, we started wondering which of these plants are safe for cats and dogs. A Home Remedy for Cracked Cuticles & Dry Hands. Not too shabby for a low-maintenance plant that's perfect for newbies. New episodes air Mondays on Facebook. If you have a tendency to forget about your plants, or are new to the whole "plant parent" lifestyle, get a rubber tree. And while this plant starts out small, its trailing vines can grow to over 10 feet long (WOW), even indoors where lower light and dry air make conditions less than ideal. If you already have experience keeping an indoor plant alive (congrats), then it might be time to add a peace lily into the mix. Dr. Joseph tells Romper, "I love walking into an exam room to meet a new pet and hearing how much thorough research the children have done prior to acquiring that animal. Especially during the warmer season, expect to see a new leaf weekly. A Pet Supermarket Grant is redeemable only at your local Pet Supermarket store for specific items to support your classroom pet. Plus, it's perfect if your place doesn't get direct sunlight—all it needs is a spot that receives bright to medium indirect light. As an added bonus, this plant is super easy to grow, adds Marino, and propagates (translation: breeds more pothos) in water. Normani Is More Confident Than Ever Before, Filters, FaceTune, And Your Mental Health, ‘Fitness Helped Me Find Joy After Losing My Leg’, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. This Air Purifier Is Really Marked Down On Amazon, The 8 Best Air Purifiers You Can Buy Online, This Air Purifier Is Actually Allergist Approved. This makes it a great plant if you've got high shelves, or want to add a hanging planter to your home decor (the ultimate in #adulting). The best way to identify any snake you see is to check a reference book. Plus, you can easily propagate them (a.k.a. Dr. Melson found that, "kids who turned to their pets for emotional support were less anxious and withdrawn than those who didn't," as Scientific American reported. In general, large-leafed philodendron plants, including the monstera deliciosa, were shown to be one of the most effective at reducing air pollutants, like benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde, according to a NASA study. Don't sign them up for med school yet, but Dr. Gail F. Melson, a developmental psychologist found that young children who had pets at home have a stronger understanding of biology than their peers, reported Scientific American. That means keeping it moist without over-watering and placing it in a bright but shady spot, she explains. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention revealed that pet ownership can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol. My previously scared-of-animals daughter can't get enough of them. It's also one of the easiest houseplants to grow. Women's Health participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. 2021 Bustle Digital Group. Snake plants have also been shown to filter out nasty chemicals, like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene, so you can breathe easy having this in your home. While you'll need to learn how to propagate a Pothos plant, you can basically get as many plants as you want for the price of one. We go to our local big box stores, and we just buy up whatever looks pretty," says Stephanie Horton, professional "plant lady" and creator of the @botanicalblackgirl Instagram. "It's a great plant to have if you're somebody who happens to travel a lot," Horton adds. Having a pet can add a whole other dimension to your family, giving your kids something to play with, something to care for, and something to love. "When you introduce plants into your life, it has a positive impact on your mental health—I can attest to that myself," she says. Because there are different levels of care for each one, it's a good idea to research which pet might be right for your family, but no matter which you choose, there are many reasons why it's great for kids to have pets. It is found throughout the southeastern and central United States.Though superficially resembling the venomous copperhead and often killed as a result of this mistaken identity, corn snakes lack functional venom and are harmless and beneficial to … Best part: You only need to water a monstera deliciosa every one to two weeks, letting the soil dry out between waterings, per The Sill. It's also a strong air purifier, removing both formaldehyde and xylene. The unconditional love between a child and his pet is irreplaceable. Because the bird's nest fern thrives in medium indirect light and a humid environment, Marino says, "it would do great in a bathroom with a shower, as long as there are windows that receive natural light.". The Pet Supermarket Grant is a ONE TIME ONLY grant. There are benefits to having a pet they're probably not even thinking of. And even if you don't use aloe vera for its healing properties, you can still reap all its air-purification benefits as it removes formaldehyde. This unconditional love boosts confidence, reported Health. Believe it or not, it's possible that your child's immune system will strengthen if you have a pet by reducing their risk to allergies, according to Medical Daily. Add these indoor plants to your home, and you'll start experiencing all the healthy benefits ASAP. Besides looking cool, it's a low-maintenance plant that's known for surviving droughts, making it perfect for newbies living in almost any environment. (Just so you know, a 'black thumb' is the total opposite of a 'green thumb.') "This guy likes to get its soil very, very dry before watering," she adds. Bonus points for putting the iPad down. Include how you might work out the financial part of it, like vet fees and who is actually paying for the pet. "Although the snake plant prefers bright light, it can survive lower light levels," she adds. You may not apply for the Pet … "Aloe vera juice has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties." "Sometimes referred to as the 'cubicle plant,' the pothos is a great pick if you're a self-proclaimed 'black thumb,' says Marino. All snakes are considered protected wild animals in Minnesota. Horton has reaped the rewards herself. horizontal stems that continuously grow) under the surface of its surrounding potting mix. ", If your windows face a different direction, don't worry–that's not a plant death sentence. Not only can you choose plants that grow well in low light, but you can also compensate for lack of light through fertilizer and grow lights. When it comes to purifying the air, though, the Dracaena Marginata Plant is your best bet. Having a pet will help teach your child how to interact with other living things. There's a reason dogs are called "Man's Best Friend." Having somewhat recently adopted two adorable kittens (who have since grown into ravenous, rambunctious teenage cats), I never expected to feel so much love for an animal, even one who pokes me awake at 5:30 a.m. most mornings and has torn up one of our couches. Lindsay Geller is the Love & Life Editor at Women’s Health, specializing in entertainment news and culture coverage. Put your aloe vera plant in a bright, sunny spot and don't worry about keeping it alive. All rights reserved. The Dracaena is great, she explains, because it can easily adapt to different light environments, though it's best to keep it away from direct sun. Kids who struggle with reading are often helped by reading to their pets. It removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene. One 2015 study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that interacting with indoor plants can can reduce both physiological and psychological stress. Find your local PetSupermarket here: www.petsupermarket.com. Another thing to keep in mind: "While there are many plants that are marketed as 'indoor plants,' all plants are native to being outside in some realm" says Horton. stronger understanding of biology than their peers, kids who turned to their pets for emotional support, pet ownership can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol. A study at Tufts University found that second graders who read to therapy dogs in an after school program demonstrated better attitudes toward reading. Though it's not the most air-purifying plant out there, philodendrons do filter formaldehyde. "In the right indoor conditions, the philodendron’s heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines can grow to over 10 feet long, like the pothos," says Marino. Need another reason to get growing? And like the snake plant, the pothos filters benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Pet ownership gives your kids a range of benefits, from making them more responsible and slightly less self-centered to just bringing them sheer happiness. Vassilkioti says this one requires more attention compared to other indoor plants. Having been there, bought that, she now suggests doing the opposite: "First, evaluate your space. "Many of us jump right into plant parenthood. Why trust us? These trendy plants are one of Horton's faves not just because their eye-catching look is oh-so-'grammable, but because "once you get them going, they're easy growing." "It can deal with indoor temperature and season changes better than others." Because the kids are the ones who often spend more time with the pet, Dr. Joseph says they can be the ones who give the most accurate medical information at vet visits. Pet friendly? Buy Pandora Jewelry Moments Slider Snake Chain Charm Cubic Zirconia Bracelet in Sterling Silver, 11.0" and other Snake at Amazon.com. Gray says that children who have an animal in their house learn to curb their impulse control because they quickly come to realize that you can't just grab an animal. Dr. Sara Joseph, a veterinarian in Massachusetts who has been practicing almost 25 years, tells Romper that pets can unite a family. Our wide … Oh, and Marino notes that many cultures believe a ZZ Plant "symbolizes prosperity and friendship," making it a great housewarming gift. Also like the pothos, it's "incredibly easy to prune and propagate, if you prefer a more compact shape," she adds. Do you live in a tropical or seasonal environment, and do you have any hot zones in your home? While so much of our kids' lives are filled with screens, interacting with their pets takes them away from that, says Gray. (And jsyk, she says even experts occasionally kill plants, too.). split off a leaf with a node and give it to a friend to grow their own). Great, just know that a rubber tree needs bright light (can take some partial sunlight) and a good amount of space around for it to be happy, grow, and remove carbon dioxide from your home. If you live in a lower light environment, Marino and Horton suggest getting a ZZ Plant because they're drought tolerant and incredibly low maintenance. Find your way to better health. And they're super easy to care for, says Vassilkioti. Who wouldn't want someone in the house who adores you no matter what and comes running every time you come home? Plants that give off "instant jungle vibes," like the spider plant, are having a serious moment right now, according to Marino. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 39 Things in Your Basement to Never Throw Away, Inside The Royal Family's Secret Code-Word System, Celebrities With Kids You Didn't Know About, These 20 Beanie Babies Will Make You Rich—Really, 64 Celebrities Who Hated Their Iconic Roles, 55 Actors Who Were Replaced on Their Own TV Shows, 50 Times Celebs Shocked Us With New Hair & Makeup. Keeping a wild snake as a pet. Marino explains that the snake plant simply gets its name from the thin, upright leaves with "irregular green banding" that look like—you guessed it—snakeskin. These plants need bright light, but no direct sun, so they're perfect to put in a room with big windows. Check out Romper's new video series, Bearing The Motherload, where disagreeing parents from different sides of an issue sit down with a mediator and talk about how to support (and not judge) each other’s parenting perspectives. When I was a kid, a pet changed my life. We waited a long time to get anything more ambitious than a hamster or a goldfish and, to be honest, I'm kind of sorry we did. They can survive almost anything, promise. So not only can you use this plant to brighten up your home, but you can also use it to heal wounds and different skin conditions. Having a plant does more than make you feel like you've got this whole #adulting thing down. The big q: How much light comes in through your windows? If that's not a problem for you, she recommends putting a peace lily in your bedroom since it produces oxygen at night, while most other plants do that during the day. "Households can have conflicts," she says, "but what most family members agree about is how awesome, remarkable, and adorable their pet is." You might notice the ZZ has large potato-like rhizomes (a.k.a. "Plants have kind of saved me, in a sense, because they give me the ability to calm my anxiety and refocus my energy into something more productive." "The hardiest of of these group is Draacena Lisa," she explains. Kids will learn about empathy from animals, Caryn Gray, a volunteer and Social Media Coordinator for the Hi Tor Animal Shelter in New York tells Romper. But let's be real—most people aren't plant experts and have no idea where to start (admitting it is the first step). Dr. Joseph also cautions that one of the toughest parts of pet ownership is the loss of the pet — it's one of the hardest yet most valuable lessons a child can learn. Ferns have been shown to filter formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, so it's not a bad idea to put one in your bathroom. Money is often a reason parents shy away from getting a pet. Sound like your kind of plant? These rhizomes, Horton explains, are "hearty," storing water that helps the plant survive drought in its natural environment. No, it was a four-foot yellow rat snake named Fred I … Once you've identified the spots that can accomodate plant life, consider your climate. Plus, adding some green helps purify the air in your home by filtering out everyday pollutants (more on that in a sec). "Amphibians and Reptiles in Minnesota" by John J. Moriarty and Carol D. Hall is an excellent resource and is available in most libraries. She feels it teaches kids to be more present. Gray says that even cats can make kids more active just by playing with them. Besides producing oxygen, this plant also removes ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. See what areas would look better with more green." "Then, we get them home, and we try to figure it out.". Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Having a pet can add a whole other dimension to your family, giving your kids something to play with, something to care for, and something to love. Snake plants have also been shown to filter out nasty chemicals, like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene, so you can breathe easy having this in your home. Dry hands and sore, cracked cuticles result when the skin loses moisture, often caused by exposure to wind, cold temperatures, sunlight, water, frequent hand-washing, garden soil or use of anti-bacterial cleansers or other harsh chemicals.. Whether it's a cat, dog, snake, hamster, guinea pig, Gila monster lizard, or a bunny, there are so many wonderful things about pet ownership. Dogs get the kids outdoors each time they need to be walked. Teachers must select from one of the following pets: Bearded Dragon; Betta Fish; Fish; Guinea Pig; Hamster .