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.
10. Fish
A fish may be the perfect “starter” pet for a child, but not just any fish will do. Goldfish may seem like the most obvious choice, but they’re actually more difficult to raise than the Siamese fighting fish (Betta fish).
These Southeast Asian natives are adapted to survive in isolation, in surprisingly small amounts of stagnant water. You may not even need aerators, filters, heaters, or chemicals.
However, betta fish thrive best in small aquariums with at least two gallons of water, regularly changed and kept between 76 and 82°F (24 and 28°C). Be sure to buy your fish from a store that has someone who can advise you on how best to care for them.
