Children and Pets

[Lizardlicks]

I'm not sure that a "mock" pet would work very well. Kids have good imaginations, but short attention spans, and a pretend pet will get boring or even frustrating. Intelligent kids might even feel belittled or insulted if you make them act out the motions of "pretending" to do things for a long time. Instead, have them prove their responsibility by doing actual, tangible things: taking on the feeding, watering and other care requirements for family pets that are already in the house. Have them keep their room clean for a month. Have them do extra chores. These are all things that they can do to show they're ready to commit to the work while still gaining a benefit they can see and feel proud of. Writing up a care check list together will be good for them to visualize the responsibilities they are asking to take on though.

A lot of people hesitate to recommend ball pythons as beginner snakes mostly for the fact that their eating habit (ie: suddenly stopping and going months without food for no discernible reason, at least to the newbie reptile keeper) can really freak new owners out and make them worry. that siad though, if you've done your research, are aware of potential feeding problems, and are confident in handling it, I see no reason for them not to be classed under beginner. However, I would personally put tortoises and igs under experienced. Their caging, temp regulation, and diet requirements are much larger or more complex than that of even a large retic.

I would Definitely second bettas as good beginner fish, again, as long as you do your research and don't assume "beginner" also means "keep in a fish bowl on the kitchen table". My oldest just turned five on Valetine's day, and we got her a betta for her birthday. He's in a nice, swank 5 gallon bow front with a heater and filter and live plants and hides. As she's only five, her only responsibility is to feed him in the morning. I handle cleaning the thank and doing the water changes for right now.

That's another thing to consider is that if you're willing, and you can get enjoyment out of the pet too, I see no reason you can't get a more advanced pet and have the kid handle the smaller parts while you do the complex stuff. As they grow older, more capable, and more reliable, they can take on more of the work.