Kylie Whitcomb Selecting the best pets for young children can be difficult. You want to introduce your kids to animals but must make the right choice.
Kids and some animals don’t mix, but there are still many great animals out there that can become the right pets for you to have in your home. You kids can learn responsibility and that these animals depend on them for food, care, and comfort while also enjoying some of the affection pets have to offer.
Here are a few great choices for you and your kids to get used to caring for animals in your home.
Let your children get used to animals with fish
Some fish, especially Goldfish, don’t require a great deal of care or attention to enjoy them and for them to thrive. Another great option is a Betta fish, as long as you don’t get two of them. Place a small fish tank in your child’s room to let them get used to a pet being theirs and something they are responsible for caring for and keep alive. Get some advice on proper fish care and the right size tank, and let your child learn to care for these aquatic animals.
Your child might enjoy a reptile as a pet
One of the best pets for young children is a turtle. More specifically, tortoises can make great pets and live for more than 50 years, becoming a lifelong pet for your child to enjoy into adulthood. You do want to be careful handling turtles and tortoises because they can transmit salmonella, but this is a great pet to help you teach your child about proper handling and staying clean whenever interacting with the animal.
Some birds can be great around kids
Caring for birds takes a lot of time and can be demanding for you, but it can also be rewarding. Some birds are intelligent and social, making them a great choice for kids. The right bird to start with when they are around younger children could be a parakeet. This is a great choice for kids who have never been around birds in the past. More expensive and intelligent species could be great, but they also require more attention.
Several small rodents are excellent pets for young children
Several small rodents have become excellent pets and could be great around your young children. Hamsters, guinea pigs, and gerbils can be easy to raise and don’t take up a lot of space. When you purchase these pets, you should buy two of the same sex to ensure they have a playmate. The interaction between two of these animals can be a lot of fun for your kids to see and enjoy. Hamsters are the only exception; you’ll only want one hamster at a time.
Your home might be a great place for a cat
It’s almost impossible to resist the cuteness of a kitten. Your small child can easily fall in love with a kitten and enjoy them as they grow to become adult cats. Cats require some care and can easily live in your home for many years. These felines are excellent companions and will show affection to many members of your family. It’s important to ensure the cat you choose is good around your child, but when you have a small space, a cat is often a better choice than a dog.
Dogs are always at the top of the pet list for kids
Puppies are great, and some people will get a puppy shortly after having a baby so the two can grow up together. Dogs are often protective of young children, making them some of the best pets to be around kids. You’ll want to introduce a dog to your kids to make sure they are comfortable with small children before you bring them home. Every dog is a little different, but they can be some of the most incredible pets and lifelong friends.
Sea monkeys are excellent starter pets
If you want a pet that’s truly easy to care for and only needs your attention about once a week, get a kit of sea monkeys. These are also known as brine shrimp, and they only require weekly feeding and a little added water to ensure they stay active. Sea monkeys can live for about a year with very little care or maintenance, making them a great choice for small kids.
Which pet will you choose to introduce your young children to the world of animals?
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