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Best Starter Pets For Kids
Children learn through experiences. Caring creates kindness…and we could all do with a bit of kindness.
Empathy is a learned emotion. Yes, certain genes linked to oxytocin production do play a role, but mostly, empathy can be taught and developed through certain actions early in life.
Empathy is important as it is the foundation for a caring, inclusive and loving society.
“Empathy is the ability to recognize emotions and to share perspectives with other people. It’s one of the five key components of emotional intelligence, and it helps to build trust and strengthen relationships.”
Owning and having the responsibility to care for a pet is one of the best ways for even very young children to learn certain valuable life lessons.
This said, don’t just rush into it!
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We’ve Done Some Research And Come Up With Two Unique Pet Options For First Time Pet Owners:
Rats
A rat is a brilliant pet for a primary school child. They are social, clean, extremely intelligent and can be trained to do all kinds of impressive tricks. Rats will love interacting with their owner, but because they are so sociable, they will do well with a cage mate. So be prepared to get more than one!
Cage size: 72cm x 36cm x 44cm (minimum cage size for two rats)
Lifespan: 2 to 3 years (So be prepared for a serious talk with your child about the death of a pet).
Cost: Low cost
Dietary requirements: Omnivores, doing best on a variety of fruits, veggies and specifically formulated protein-rich rat pellets. Rats can however easily become obese, so do not overfeed.
Are rats time-consuming? Rats thrive on stimulation and enrichment so you should regularly engage with your rats.
Read more about rats as pets.
Tortoises
Though not necessarily cuddly, tortoises can be great pets for even pre-primary school kids. A tortoise that is happy and healthy can be extremely responsive towards its owner and still form a loving bond with your child.
Enclosure size: The size of a tortoise’s enclosure should be at least 3 times the length of its shell and 4 times its width.
Lifespan: Up to 20 years if cared for well. (Yay!)
Cost: Low to medium cost.
Dietary requirements: Herbivores, doing best on a variety of fruits, vegetables and specialized tortoise food.
Benefits: Quiet, clean, slow (very low escape risk) and solitary – so they are more than happy to live alone!
Are tortoises time-consuming? As with any other pet, you will have to give your tortoise attention, but they are less time-consuming than a working dog like a spaniel or a pet that relies on you solely for social stimulation.
Read more about tortoises as pets.
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Other interesting reads about the benefits of giving your child a pet:
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