Kids and Herps... and a picture

[Colin Vestrand]

How many people here allow their kids to handle the reptiles? what age do you feel is appropriate? when should kids get their first reptile that is actually theirs??
with a 22 month old son i find myself asking these questions and a ton more... i guess what i've found is that he's going at his own pace and i really don't have a lot of say in it! he's already catching bugs and frogs in the yard, he tries to pick up snakes, and knows not to be too rough on them as well.
here's a picture of him about a month and a half ago with a 3 year old carpet python... what a man!

[python.princess]

I'm not a parent but I think that giving them an early education in the joys of the reptile world is a fabulous idea! I think as far as when/how to get them involved, it should be judged by the individual parent. Maybe start by letting the child 'pet' the snake for awhile when you're holding it. Just go step by step at each child's pace. The main thing is to make sure both the child and the snake are safe, happy, and healthy!

Oh yeah... cute picture!!!

[_Venom_]

Wow, he was able to hold that snake.

Even I'd have trouble.

[aaramire]

WOW that pic is amazing, your son looks so happy! Its so awesome how he looks so in control of the snake too... great stuff

[dadspets]

Great pic. looks like he's loving it. I have 3 daughters 4,6 and 8 they enjoy all of our animals. The rule in our family is for their 7 th b-day they get their own snake and my 6 yr old has her own skink. Of coarse they do not handle all my snakes, that is to my discretion. Also they do not go in the snake room w/ out me ( thats were all our snakes are kept ). Plus all my big snake cages have locks. Now I also breed bearded dragon's and they are in the house so they get to hold them on a daily basis. I also have iguana's and tegu's they also interact with. Part of my business is about education of reptiles so even the 4 yr. old can tell ya stuff you may not think a 4 yr old should know. If you ever go to YOU TUBE, search " snakes and more ". I got my business license last year and was interviewed and put on their. Pretty cool. Check it out.

[Reptotica26]

Very cute. IMO, I think its up to the parent. But some boundaries should be set and enforced, like Dadspets was saying. To be honest, I think u just made this thread to post that awsomely handsome son of yours lol

[starmom]

Your son is amazingly cute and beaming with happiness!

In answer to your question: It is a process and it is obvious that you are already doing that process with your son. It will evolve as it does and you will become more familiar with the process as it unfolds. You and the boy-child will guide the education.

Super cute photo--one for the picture books!!

[Patrick Long]

Lookin good C-dub!!!!


Wheres his game face????

[dsirkle]

He looks ready to go out and track those mississauga critters with you.

[mikedahitman87]

I think have kids introduced to reptiles at an early age is a great idea. As long as they are supervised by a responsible adult there won't be any problems.

My sister is planing on taking my nephews (10.5 month old twins). to MARS this weekend. She already driven them to the philly zoo, the Baltimore zoo, and the National Aquarium.