My second grader wanted a hamster. I went to the local pet shop and was really hesitant. The people at the store were honest and warned me they are not as cute and cuddly as the kids think.
They steered me toward the guinea pigs.
I found an article online written by Lynne Bertrand that suggests guinea pigs are a great first pet. They're sturdier and friendlier than hamsters, easier for the kids to hold and teach the basics of nutrition and trust building.
Frankly, the guinea pig made me a bit nervous. It involves a long commitment, a big cage and a big smell! I decided we'd go with the gold fish. It seemed like a cop out - not exactly the pet she had hoped for.
To my surprise, all the kids are thrilled!
They have to feed the fish every day. (My 2-year-old was caught feeding our goldfish his goldfish crackers. It's amazing this fish has lasted a week in my house)
At any given time, I can see the kids watch in amazement at the little fish fighting the odds and surviving his 7-year-old helper as she learns what it means to take care of something.
The only down side? Now that she's mastering the gold fish, I need to move on to something else!
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