Choosing the best pets for kids… For children, owning a pet can be a rewarding experience. A well-chosen pet can bring years of joy.
Owning a pet can also be a chance for children to learn valuable life lessons from caring for an animal. Pets can teach children about responsibility and reliability under the guidance of adults.
As an added bonus, some pets give affection in return for a child’s loving attention.
9. Reptiles
The appeal of cold-blooded creatures may be less obvious than that of warm, fuzzy animals, but certain reptiles make prized pets.
Tortoises, such as the plant-eating Russian tortoise, can live more than 50 years. Some snake species also make excellent pets, although constrictors should be avoided.
Added bonus: Reptiles are nonallergenic. However, keep in mind that the American Academy of Pediatrics warns against reptiles as pets for young children because they can easily transmit salmonella. Make sure to research specific care requirements for any new reptile pet.
