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Friendly Pets
Pets are great companions for any member of the family, and they can be great tools for teaching kids about responsibility and accountability. Not all pets, however, are great for kids. Here are some that are:
Dogs - Dogs are probably the most obvious choice, and one of the most kid-friendly breeds is the beagle. Beagles are playful and friendly, and though they love the outdoors, they're comfortable indoors, too. (Other breeds that are known to be friendly include Maltese, Dachshund, Terriers, Boxers, Collies and Retrievers.)
Fish - Fish are a lot of fun to watch and fairly low-maintenance pets. They can also be quite inexpensive. Just be sure to do your research on particular breeds (to make sure they're compatible) and be prepared in case illness should strike your aquarium.
Rodents - Mice, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, are all members of the rodent family and can make excellent pets for kids. The pets themselves are relatively inexpensive, though be sure to purchase proper habitats and equipment to manage their care. These animals tend to be very friendly and playful which make them a fun companion for children. One downside to rodents, however, is that many of them have a shorter lifespan than other animals.
Birds - Birds can be a lot of fun for kids to watch and play with. Parakeets, cockatiels and parrots are popular choices and their colorful displays and playful manners will keep the whole family entertained. Some birds can learn to talk, though special care should be taken to keep children from being bitten or cut by a claw when handling.
No matter which pet you choose for your family and your kids, be sure of a few things first. Make sure your kids aren't allergic to pets (particularly cat dander), and be sure you're able to continue to care for the pets for their entire lifespan. You may want to make sure there is a local vet able to treat and care for your particular pet and/or breed, as well.
It's important to teach children to be gentle with pets. Kids can get rough, especially when excited about the new addition to the family, which can result in defensive action from the pet. For the safety of your children, teach them to be gentle and respectful of the new pet.
Having a pet can be a great tool to teach the importance of responsibility to children. Have them follow a chore list of feeding, cleaning and caring for the pet.
Author: by Tonia Jordan
