I think if a FAMILY is educated on the animal they choose to keep and take care of it PROPERLY than its a wonderful thing. I pride myself in exposing my children to different animals, insects, exc. Our kids are 3˝ & almost 2 and neither of them are ever left alone with ANY animal of any kind. We know what our kids are capeable of. They can take part in helping (holding papertowels when we clean for example) keep them clean, feeding, holding, exc. I think its wonderful. There are alot of kids (Their cousins included) who are totally terrified of insects and reptiles because their parents dont like them and i find that sad. there is such an interesting world in herps (and all animals really) and i think all kids should have the joy of having an animal they can call their own, even if the parents are doing most of the work.

from me for getting kids involved with animals for sure!