How a Pet Changes Your Kids' Idea of Responsibility

Most children are delighted by the thought of owningtoday. You may not have to clean up after them as
a pet. Before you decide to bring a pet into yourmuch as hamsters and guinea pigs, but they must be
home, however, you should think carefully aboutfed multiple times a day, and grooming and bathing
your child's responsibility level and choose a pet that'sare important as well.
suitable for your situation.If you're planning on owning a dog as a pet, be sure
If you're looking for a good first pet for a youngyou're ready to help your child house train the dog.
child, hermit crabs are a good option. They don'tHe or she will definitely need your help walking the
require extensive care and it can be fun to watchdog and getting him housebroken.
them migrate to larger shells as they grow older.Of course, there are so many other kinds of pets
Your child will still be excited by the idea of owningyou can choose from. If you need a low-maintenance
his or her very own pet.pet, you might want to consider a reptile.
Hamsters and guinea pigs are another popular choiceChildren also love fish, and they're fairly easy to take
for young children. These animals do need more care,care of. However, they have a high mortality rate,
so your child will have to take on more responsibility.which doesn't sit well with children.
It's necessary to keep them fed, give them water,Bringing a pet into your home is a great way to
and clean their cages regularly.make a wonderful addition to your family, and teach
Guinea pigs and hamsters can create a mess, andyour child responsibility at the same time. However,
they're also nocturnal animals. This means that they'llit's important to consider your options and choose
mostly be awake while you're sleeping, and they maythe pet that best fits your lifestyle and the level of
create noise when they run in their wheels at night.responsibility that your child will be able to assume.
Dogs and cats are easily the most popular pets