Six Points to Consider When Choosing a Pet For Your Child

"Can I have a pet for my birthday, Mum?" says Amelia

"Not yet, you're too young" replied Mum

This was a common question for several years until one day Mum thought that Amelia is ten now and might be ready for the responsibility of owning and looking after a pet.

So what is the best pet for Amelia?

How can Mum help her make this important choice?

Here are six points to consider when choosing a pet for your child eg Amelia

1. Ask " What kind of pet do you like?"

It may be a duck to a dinosaur.

You need to set limits as to what pets you are prepared to have, what pets you are able to have eg if you live in an apartment then no Great Danes are allowed and what pets are safe for you to have. Write down the choices.

2.Level of Commitment:

Think about what level of commitment Amelia has shown in past projects, like a sport or a hobby.

- was she keen at first and then slack off?

- did she wear her skates once and leave them lying around?

- does her floor look like a jungle?

- what is her staying power at things like?

You have more pet choices if she is a dedicated person. And her interest should be long enough to see the pet into middle age.

3. What is the 'ick' factor?

Is Amelia squeamish at the thought of little gerbil goodies left in the palm of the hand, pet vomit or fussy at the thought of feeding the animal that she mistakenly chose? If so then the pet needs to be a cleaner variety and less hands on - nice tropical fish are great for finicky children.

4. Activity Level:

Is Amelia active or more laid back? This is something to consider because trying to get your inactive child to walk a dog is very stressful or giving tropical fish to an energetic person is totally pointless when they could be running a more active pet.

5. Temperament:

The saying that 'opposites attract" could be beneficial. If Amelia was shy then a bouncy Boxer may help to break her out of her shell. or if Amelia can't stay still then a gentle pug might calm her down.

6. Responsibility:

Who is responsible for this pet? Make sure everyone in the family is aware of this. Even though Amelia asked for a pet she is not totally responsible - it becomes at least partial responsibility of other family members who may, for example, feed the cat or walk the dog from time to time. It is important to make sure Amelia understands the rules and obligations that will be expected of her before bringing a pet home. You can make it clearer with pictures for younger children but Amelia is old enough to get clear worded directions. You can give out rewards and punishments for meeting obligations or not, e.g. if she does not feed the cat then she will loose television watching time.If Amelia is taught responsibility now then she'll turn out to be a responsible adult.

Sometimes Amelia may forget certain things in cat care or is sick, have extra school work or extra curricular activities and so it may be time for you or another family member to step in. If you are not prepared to do this then you may need to reconsider getting a pet at this time.

The idea about choosing a pet for your child, in this case Amelia, is to give them (or Amelia) the options according to what you want, what you can have with considerations of responsibility and their (or her) personality. Then let them (or her) have their (or her) say at what they (or she) wants. Hopefully a suitable choice can be made which can not only give the family a pet but your child or children (or Amelia) a friend forever.

The Final Outcome of Choosing a Pet for Your Child

Let's take the example of Amelia.

Amelia is a bright and bubbly girl who loves being active with sport like netball and swimming plus enjoying quiet times with reading and drawing. She also likes socialising with her friends. Her room can get a little messy but it's because she gets carried away with her interests.She doesn't mind the thought of cleaning up animal messes and decided she would like to have a young pet like a puppy or kitten to grow up with.

Her parents thought that she would show responsibility towards caring for a puppy or kitten as well as having the right personality. There limiting factor was a small house and back yard. So they all decided that a kitten would be a great pet for Amelia.

So what next in the process of choosing a pet for your child.

1. Finding A Pet For you child. In this case a kitten for Amelia

2. Training Your Pet In this case training a Amelia's kitten.

Pets - What to Do When Your Child Loses Their Best Friend

Children and pets seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. Sometimes they grow up together, but normally there's a special bond between them that's similar to what a child feels for their parent or grandparents. When a pet dies, it's important to realize that your child is in pain. Here are some things you can do when your child loses their best friend.

* Children need to understand that most animals have a shorter lifespan than humans. It's important when your child gets a pet to teach them as much as you can about that type of animal, including what their average lifespan is. When the inevitable day comes, you can remind your child that their pet lived a long and happy life because they were a part of your child's life.

* Let your child know that their pet's death is not their fault. Reassure your child that they were not responsible for the death, that the animal was older and its heart stopped beating. There wasn't anything they could have done to change matters.

* When a loved person dies we honor them with a funeral. It might be a good idea to have something similar for much-loved pet. Have your family gather together and remember the good things about the pet. Let the child plan the service to commemorate their pet how they think is best.

* Put together a photo album with various pictures of your child's pet. This will give them something to look at to help them remember their pet when they start missing it. Your child may even want to write a short story or poem to include in their photo album to express how they felt about their animal.

* Make a special gift to help other animals, such as a gift to the ASPCA in the name of your pet. By doing this, your child can feel good about doing something that will help other animals find loving homes to live in.

* Allow your child time to grieve. Don't tell them that it's silly to cry, in fact be honest about how you feel about the loss. It will help your child learn to grieve if they see you do it, too.

* Encourage them to talk about how they feel. Tell them it's OK if they don't want to talk about it right after the pet dies, but that you're available to listen if they do want to talk.

* Wait until your child has had a chance to grieve before buying them a new pet. A new pet can't replace their old one, but it may help ease the pain somewhat. Again, teach your child about the pet and how long it is expected to live. They may have to go through the process of losing a pet again, but there is a lot of love they can enjoy in the meantime.

Losing a pet is never easy because they give us so much unconditional love. How children react to the death of a pet will help them deal with the death of a human loved one in the future. These tips for helping your child when they lose their best friend may give you the information you need to make the process easier for them.

If you enjoyed this article, please visit the The Parenting Magazine for more. The Parenting Magazine is a popular online publication providing useful parenting information on pets for kids, infant care, child care, child safety, child education, child development, child behavior problems, kids activities and even great food recipes for kids!

Electronic Pets Are A Great Gift For Your Child

Have your kids been consistently begging and pleading for a pet? Do they want a puppy or a kitty or perhaps even something more exotic like lizards or snakes? Live pets are a really big responsibility. They must have food, water, shelter, exercise, and not to mention, love and nurturing.

Parents may be reluctant to buy young children pets since they may not be responsible enough to be caretakers. Parents often become the primary caretakers of the live pets once the newness has worn off. Additionally, some children may live in a building or home where pets are not allowed.

Allergies may even prevent some children from becoming pet owners. Moms and Dads everywhere in search of an alternative have never been in such a fortunate position. Advances in technology and ingenuity have led to major strides in the development of electronic pets.

While they are not the real thing, these toy pets could aid in filling a gap and serving a need for a child to provide loving care and bond with a special friend. Electronic pets provide kids with an opportunity to own dogs, cats, hamsters, and even more exotic animals like a chimpanzee or a lion.

Of all the toymakers out there that produce electronic pets, Habro has quite an extensive line. FurReal Friends by Hasbro not only has several different types of puppies and kittens, they also have a parrot, a panda, a raccoon, and a chipmunk.

Your child can even have her very own pony that moves and reacts to her. Several of these interactive electronic pets come mature or in the newborn variety. The newborn pets come with bottles and are perfect for your child to cuddle and really care for. Many of these pets look and sound incredibly realistic. Your child will cherish a ForReal pet to call her own.

Other very popular toy pets are the little electronic hamsters known as Zhu Zhu Pets. Live hamsters are not only be pretty messy and smelly, they can also be quite fragile. With the highly adaptable Zhu Zhu Pets, there is no risk of unintended harm to your pet. These furry friends come in such a wide selection of pets and accessories for boys and girls alike.

Electronic pets can be of great assistance in training your child how to be a caretaker for a live pet someday. Toy kittens and puppies can give parents opportunities to coach kids on how to properly interact with and tend to real pets.

From earlier toys like Furby to newer lines like Kung Zhu Pets, every child can have a pet he loves. Owning a live pet may not be viable for your family. However, with the widespread availability and the colorful variety of electronic pets on the market, every family is sure to find one that they will love.

These pets don't require food or special habitats and there is no risk of them making a mess all over your house. Kids will love them and parents will definitely approve of the electronic pets that you can buy today.

For more information on what is most popular and selling today you should visit our Electronic Pets store for the best choice. If you are looking for a Toy Pet for your kids our site is the one you should visit.

Does Your Child Want a Rabbit As a Pet?

What child does not want a rabbit as a pet? Rabbits are probably one of the cutest looking pets you can buy - cuddly, soft and furry, and quite adorable as babies. Most children cannot resist them, and parents are often persuaded to buy one as a first pet for a child.

Rabbits can be kept inside the house and can become house trained in that they will use a cat litter tray, and as such become members of the household. Living indoors these rabbits benefit from lots of attention, and it's hard to ignore or neglect them. But most rabbits tend to live outside in hutches in the garden.

Care

Rabbits are very clean animals - they always use the same corner of their hutch or pen for their litter, and as such are easier to clean out. They usually do not mess in their sleeping compartment, and if they have access to a run attached to the hutch they will tend to use a corner of this. Regularly cleaning out will keep the hutch and run clean and not smelling.

Being relatively cheap to feed, they eat a mixture of hard food, vegetables and hay. Lettuce and other high water content vegetables should be avoid as it can cause diarrhoea, particularly in younger rabbits. Straw or wood shavings make a good bedding. If your garden is well fenced in they can be allowed supervised access to run around, but beware of your prize plans as they may be very tasty to a rabbit and be warned that many dogs (and some cats) love to chase rabbits! Rabbits get easily bored, so as well as food and cleaning you should make sure the rabbit is handled daily. If your garden is not secure rabbits can be trained to a harness and lead quite easily which will help with exercise.

Children and Rabbits

Children adore their rabbit pets when the sun is shining and when there isn't anything else to do. But, unfortunately, many a child loses interest when it's cold and raining, and feeding or cleaning out is on the agenda. Living up to 10 years or so the child's interest in it's pet may well wane before the rabbit does - unless the parent is willing to help out, or even take over, the rabbit will become neglected. In any event, an adult must always take responsibility for the husbandry of any animal as this cannot be left to a child.

My advice is that you shouldn't get a rabbit as a pet for your child unless you are prepared to do the majority of the work. It might be that your child is the exception, but however much they tell you they can be relied upon, it's better to accept that there may come a point where you end up as the major carer. And if that's not for you, don't get a pet rabbit!

Rabbit Problems

Rabbits are fairly hardy creatures - a blanket over the front of the hutch is normally sufficient to protect them except in the harshest weather. There are problems which may develop with them if they are neglected - matted dirty hair can attract flies which lay their eggs on them, and it's not nice to find your rabbit literally being eaten by maggots. They can get lice and fleas, so a regular treatment is advisable. Sometimes a rabbit's teeth can be a problem, and they might need cutting back by a vet (like all herbivores, a rabbit's teeth are continually growing, and may need attention if not kept trimmed by the food they eat - adding a fruit tree branch for them to knaw will help) or some rabbits teeth are overshot and may need extraction. In some areas of the country myxomatosis is still all too common, spread by fleas from wild rabbits. This is a terrible disease, and you should check with your vet whether you live in an area where you should vaccinate against it. Vaccinations should be given every six months for the best effect. House rabbits are far less likely to get myxomatosis.

Rabbit Breeding

Rabbits breed like, well, rabbits. If you get two make sure they are the same sex unless you are going to keep them in separate hutches. It is very rewarding to breed rabbits - and great for children to witness. A tame female will let you see the kits in the nest if you are very quiet after just a couple of days, and watching their eyes open and the youngsters emerge and grow to independence is thrilling. But it's not something you want to go into without proper planning, and without consideration of homing the kits when they are old enough. And of course, you will have to explain to your child that no, you cannot keep all six, seven - or however many there are!

Conclusion

Rabbits make wonderful pets - they are as tame as you make them (of course, if you don't handle them when young, they're not likely to appreciate being picked up and cuddled when adult). They are clean and cost little to keep. But like all pets, they are a commitment. When you go on holiday someone will have to feed them for you - although there are rabbit 'kennels' in quite a few places now, that will be an extra expense to factor in on top of the cost of your holiday. No pet should be taken on without careful consideration as to whether it really is the pet for you and your family. Make sure you are happy to take over the feeding and cleaning duties if your child develops an interest elsewhere, and hopefully you won't have too. But at least it means that the rabbit you choose as a pet won't end up neglected and ill, or in an animal rescue centre waiting to be rehomed.

Trish Haill has a background in Psychology and a lifetime of pet keeping. With her experience together with lots of research she has brought together helpful information for parents considering getting a pet for their child. Pets4kids has information on all sorts of pets you may consider. Further information on rabbits can be found on the website.

Is A Rodent The Right Pet for Your Child?

Rodents rank as the third most popular pet among families with children, after the dog and the cat. Understanding the behaviors and the needs of this classification of pets will help you decide if a rodent is the right pet for your child.

Gerbils, hamsters, fancy or domestic mice, rats, and guinea pigs are the most popular rodents that children ask for. Many times their classroom teacher will have one or more of the little critters as the class pet. Here are some things to keep in mind about each animal.

Gerbils live 1-3 years, can be housed with gerbils of the same sex in a 2-4 square foot space, and are easy to pick up and handle on a regular basis. Hamsters live 1-3 years and are smaller than gerbils. If not handled on a regular basis both can become defensive and tend to bite. They need a fresh water source, daily food, and shavings in the cage to burrow into and to soak up the urine. These shavings need to be changed out at least once a week and more often if there is an odor. Depending on the age of the child, it may not be a task that can be done independently. Gerbils and hamsters also need an exercise ball or wheel to play with when left alone for long periods of time.

Fancy or domestic mice live nicely in a small cage that is escape proof. These little critters can be quite good at escaping if given half a chance. Their needs include fresh water, food, and clean dry bedding. Mice tend to be social and are happiest if there are two or more females housed together. Males tend to fight and a male/female pair will reproduce more often than the average pet owner needs. Mice are nocturnal so most of their entertaining antics are done in the evening hours or after dark. They do not make a good pet for young children because they are quick and can easily escape the grasp of the younger child.

Rats make very entertaining pets. They live 2-4 years, are very social, enjoy human socializing, and can be trained to do tricks. They require regular handling and more time than the other rodents listed. For a responsible teen that enjoys the challenge of taming and training a pet, the rat might be just the ticket. They require a small space that is secure, fresh water, bedding, and daily food.

Guinea pigs are the largest of the rodents here, although some professionals don't consider the guinea pig a rodent. These creatures are gentle in nature. They are larger than the other rodents making them easier to hold and handle. Guinea pigs rarely bite. They enjoy the company of a same sex cage mate, but will be content alone. The diet of the guinea pig is the more challenging of diets. It includes fresh hay or pellets, fresh veggies, and a clean water source. The bedding also will require a change out at least once a week.

Consider purchasing a rodent from a reliable pet store or breeder. This ensures the pet is healthy, free from disease, and the sex that you prefer. A good pet store owner can give you tips on how to handle the animal in a safe manner for both the pet and the child. The expense of rodent ownership includes the cage, bedding, food, self water bottles, vet costs if the animal becomes ill, and any vitamin or mineral supplements that may be recommended. It is also a good idea to have an exercise wheel or ball appropriate for the size of your rodent to keep them entertained.

Rodents can be fun to watch, easy to handle, and safe to maintain around children. A soft little rodent may be the perfect pet for your child.

Terri Forehand is a pediatric/ neonatal critical care nurse and freelance writer. She has a passion for kids of all ages, especially kids who are fighting against tough illnesses and diseases. Visit her blog and website for more information. She is currently working on fiction for kids. http://www.terriforehand.com
http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com

Is an Alpaca the Right Pet for Your Child?

Alpacas are a popular animal on both big ranches and small hobby farms. They are stunning in a group photo and they look loving and sweet but is an alpaca a good pet for a child? You need to know about alpacas before deciding if this is the best pet for your child.

Alpacas are a herd animal. This means that they are happiest when they have at least one other alpaca in the pasture. They are also not fond of being petted and nuzzled unless you work with them everyday and they learn to trust. After that, they are a relatively safe animal with children.

Alpacas don't need much of a shelter, and a three-sided shelter will keep them protected from the elements. However, they will also come in and out of a barn if that set up is available. They also don't challenge fencing. Fences need to be sturdy but also with small openings so that wild dogs, coyotes, fox and bobcats cannot enter. The alpaca has two defenses, they can kick and they spit. So the farm owner must take care to protect them from harm.

Alpacas need hay, grass, and fresh water daily. Who will be caring for the alpacas everyday including winter becomes an important question when deciding if an alpaca is a good pet for a child. The animals must have their fiber cut or sheared once a year too. You can hire someone who does this or you can purchase clippers, scissors, a table, and other equipment that makes the task easier but that is an additional expense. This is not a task that a child can do alone.

Alpacas are raised for fiber and to reproduce with the hopes of having female offspring more often than males born. Female alpacas are more expensive because they have the ability to produce a cria or baby alpaca every year for more than 25 years. That can be a return on your initial investment if the female produces high quality crias and their fiber is of excellent texture. Males can be expensive if they have fathered good offspring but they can be found pretty reasonable if all they are used for is fiber. These gilded males are lovingly called "fiber boys" and they make good pets at less cost than other male alpacas.

Alpacas can be haltered, lead in an arena, and taught a few tricks. Often they are seen dressed for parades and handled very safely by children. To get an alpaca to the level of being led on a lead rope for hours on end takes daily practice and daily human contact. Some counties have 4H categories for the alpaca allowing children to show their pet in an arena before a judge and that can be an added pleasure to having an alpaca as a pet.

When considering if an alpaca makes a good pet, keep in mind where the alpacas will stay, who will be caring for the alpacas, the cost of hay if you don't have pasture grass and the cost of shearing yearly. Incidental costs include worming, vet checks, the costs of breeding, extra nutritional supplements, and how much time you have to invest in training the alpacas. Alpacas can make the perfect pet for a child if you have a small hobby farm and you have the time to learn the best way to train and care for these gentle animals. Alpacas provide warm fiber to be spun into yarn for socks, scarves, and sweaters. Just keep an eye out for the famous nasty spit that may come your way during the learning process.

Terri Forehand is a neonatal nurse and a freelance writer. Writing from her rural home she shares with her husband, 6 alpacas, 3 horses, and an array of rescue dogs and cats, Ms Forehand writes fiction and nonfiction for both adults and children. Visit her website for stories for children at http://www.terriforehand.com.

Pet Bunny For Christmas? How to Tell If Your Child and a Rabbit Are a Good Match!

To start with, consider the personality and age of your child. Children that are generally known to be gentle, kind and calm would do better with a rabbit as a pet than those that tend to be very loud and aggressive. If you have to constantly remind your child to follow your rules, a rabbit might not be a good match. Younger children below the age of six or seven may not be able to properly interact in a manner safe for them or safe for the bunny.

Next, consider your lifestyle. It is NEVER a good idea to add a rabbit to your family so your child or children can learn responsibility, or even to expect that your child will be the major caretaker of the bunny. As the responsible adult, you must assume that you are getting a new pet that will require your commitment. Too many times, a family ends up wanting to give up on the new pet rabbit because the expectations of responsibility were not properly considered ahead of time.

If you feel that a rabbit is a good match for your child so far, there are a few more important considerations before heading out to pick your bunny. Just like any other pet, there is a cost to having a pet rabbit. In addition to any cost for the rabbit's purchase or adoption, you need a suitable home for your pet. Many styles of rabbit hutches and cages are available. The rule of thumb is always "buy the largest rabbit home that fits your space and budget". In addition to your rabbit's home, there are costs for a regular supply of food, hay and litter, water bottle and feeder, rabbit toys (although some can be homemade), and veterinary care. If your bunny was not spayed or neutered prior to becoming your pet, consider that as well. There are also occasional costs, such as for a litter pan, chew toys and "in cage" shelters such as small igloos or houses. Hopefully, you'll want to "spoil" your bunny with some new toys for the holidays as well. A Pet PlayPen made for rabbits and small animals help reduce your stress, but are a cost as well. Thankfully, most items made for rabbits are not very expensive, and hutches and cages come in many stylish options with functional benefits for both bunny and pet parent!

Other things to consider include the area for your rabbit. We encourage everyone that considers getting a rabbit for a pet, to be considered as an "indoor" pet, not just put a rabbit in a hutch outside. Rabbits are social animals that do better when they are around their family members. Find an area for the rabbit home away from loud noise areas, and preferably in an area that allows the bunny to not be stressed by large amounts of people, noise, other pets, etc. Consider the other members of your home. If anyone suffers from allergies, could a new rabbit make the family member suffer? Lastly, you home will probably require at least some "rabbit proofing".

Finally, consider the rabbit. Rabbits naturally live at ground level, and many do not like to be held or cuddled. Medium to larger breed rabbits, especially adult ones that have been spayed or neutered, often make the best pets for children. Small breeds and young bunnies tend to be more excitable and sometimes aggressive, and may be more likely to chew and nip. It is often easier to judge the personality of an adult rabbit.

If you feel that you are willing to make the commitments necessary to be a responsible pet rabbit owner, and your child will benefit from the new relationship with a bunny, then the next step is finding your pet. Consider the benefits of adopting an adult bunny from a shelter, before deciding to purchase one from a pet store. By taking the time to understand your new rabbit, and spending time helping your child learn how to properly interact with a bunny, you can enjoy a lasting relationship that can be very rewarding for all involved. Your child can learn responsibility, and grow up to be a more nurturing and caring adult. The choice to add a pet rabbit to your family and to assist your child in the proper care and interaction with the bunny will help provide a lasting and loving experience for your child for years to come!

To learn more about Rabbit Hutches, Outdoor Runs and Bunny Homes, Visit Rabbit Hutch USA Today!

Bill VS has written numerous articles on Pet Rabbits. He owns Rabbit Hutch USA, which sells a large selection of Rabbit Hutches, Outdoor Runs, Premium Indoor Homes and many other Bunny Items. Bill VS encourages his readers to learn as much as possible before deciding to choose a Rabbit as a Pet. There is a Free Rabbit Hutch Buying Guide available on his website, which anyone interested in Bunny Housing should read before buying any new home for their long eared friend! As they say around the Hutch, "Grab a Carrot and Come On In!" Enter Rabbit Hutch USA Here!

Tips For a Child and Pet Safe Christmas

If you ask many families what is their favorite holiday, they are likely to very quickly tell you it's Christmas. Everyone loves to spend the time with family, helping create new memories for their children and bringing a smile to many loved ones faces with Christmas gifts. While Christmas may be everyone's favorite holiday, it is also one of the most dangerous times of the year for small children and animals.

During the holiday season, emergency rooms are filled with children under the age of five due to Christmas tree accidents or other accidents caused by Christmas decorations. The same is true for small animals, which spend the Christmas season sick or fatally hurt by the same decorations. Even worse, 99% of these dangers that hurt children and pets can be avoided. Since nothing is worse than spending Christmas in the ER, here are some tips we have found to help make Christmas a bit safer for both you and your family.

Christmas Tree Safety: Lights

While many of us couldn't imagine having Christmas without a tree, it is the largest culprit of injuries for children under five and animals. Every year, 7,500 people all over the United States and Canada visit emergency rooms due to burns caused by Christmas tree decorations. Most of the problems come from Christmas lights, which can easily cause fires, especially from little children and animals pulling on these lights. Even though many of us love Christmas lights, they really aren't appropriate for homes with small children and animals. The new LED Christmas lights do not get hot and are much safer for everyone.

Christmas Tree Safety: The Tree

Even though Christmas lights are one of the main reasons for injuries, the tree itself can also be a danger if it is not anchored properly. Children and pets alike are intrigued by Christmas trees - especially when it is filled with colorful ornaments! It doesn't take much for a tree that is not anchored properly to come down on a child or pet, causing the potential for cuts from pine needs, broken ornaments, and fires if you are using lights. To help keep your children and pets safe, consider putting the Christmas tree in a room that is pet and child free until Christmas.

This will avoid fatal accidents and will help you prevent the tree itself from being a danger to your children and animals.

Also, never put any chemicals in the tree water. Pets and children do not understand that this water isn't safe, and will likely drink or play in this water when no one is looking. Since many families put fertilizer and bleach in their tree water, this can lead to a very unhappy Christmas in the ER or call to poison control.

Toy Safety

When looking for toys for small children, always make sure to look at the safety labels on toys. Never give small children toys that come with small pieces. As a rule of thumb, if it will fit in a child's mouth, it isn't safe! No matter how good your child may act, it only takes on slip up for a small toy to be lodged in a child's throat. If something does come with small pieces, make sure to take them out of the packaging before you give it to your child. As well, avoid any toys that need to be plugged into a power outlet. Only buy toys that require batteries if they require power at all.

By following some of these tips you and your family will have a happier, safer Christmas.

This article is written by Pat Tate who is using her blog Top Ten Christmas Ideas to talk about holiday food, Christmas carols and the popular toys and gifts on everyone's wish list."

Choosing the Right Pet For Your Child

Pets are something that nearly every child looks forward to and wants to have in their home. But in choosing the right pet for your child there are a number of things to consider.

The first thing to consider is your child's age and maturity level. While some experts suggests that your child should be at least six years old before having a pet, what really matters in their level of maturity. Before choosing a pet for your child you should be confident that they have self-control and know to obey the word "no". This is very important because if your child is unable to follow directions completely it can cause harm to both the pet and your child. Make sure before you even consider bringing a pet into the home that all of your children are aware of the rules and restrictions that come with having that pet.

The second thing to consider is age of the pet. While many people will prefer a puppy or a kitten that can grow with the family and be trained with the family, it may actually be better for younger children to have an older pet. Pets that are fully grown are normally calmer, and if you get one that already has experience around children and has been trained, you can reduce the amount of problems that come with training and caring for a new pet.

Often puppies and kittens will bite and scratch as way of playing and of learning, and can injure your child, causing them to dislike the new pet. The added benefit of an older pet is less mess, they will not have to be potty trained or taught not to scratch the furniture.

The type of pet that you wish to choose for your child is also very important. Dogs and cats are the most popular and among the safest pets because they are domesticated and meant to live in a household. Other animals like amphibians, reptiles or birds are normally not domesticated or adjusted to living in a household and can therefore cause a number of problems, including running away. These animals are better suited to living in their natural habitats and can often make troublesome or unaffectionate pets.

Larger rodents like rabbits or guinea pigs can be good choices for building up to a larger pet like a dog or cat. They are relatively easy to care for and will become friendly if socialized and handled often. If your child is able to follow your households "pet" rules with a small pet first, you can be confident that you can move on to a cat or a dog.

By choosing an animal that suits your lifestyle, and your parenting style, and suits your child's personality, you can provide your child with a friend and companion to grow up with and learn from.

Denise Sanger is the owner of NewCoolToysOnline.com?which carries a great selection of pool toys and bath tub toys.? She also owns USAPoolToy.com which is a wholesale distributor of toys and gifts.? The company may be reached at 877/950-7665.

Helping Your Child Cope With the Death of a Pet

The death of a pet is a traumatic experience for any child. It may be the first time he or she experiences the pain of loss. Helping your child work through her grief can make the healing journey more bearable.

First, acknowledge that your child's grief is genuine. No matter how small the pet, your child will have formed an emotional connection with it. A child can grieve as intensely as an adult, albeit for a shorter time.

It is important to allow your child to express grief for his pet. Show him that it's okay to be sad. Hiding your own sadness may make your child feel that he too should be holding back the tears.

Ceremony and remembering

Ritual is an important part of the healing process. It is a way of saying goodbye. A small ceremony or burial to mark the passing of a beloved pet represents closure. There are no rules here; do what feels right. Involve your child in the ceremony. Light a candle or ask your child to write a short poem or say a few words of her own. Don't pressure her to do anything she doesn't want to. This will only add to the trauma.

If a burial is not possible, make a small box with a few of your pet's things - a toy, a piece of blanket, a goodbye card from your child. The box can be buried in your own yard or another special place.

Create a scrapbook or keepsake box to celebrate your pet's life. It has been shown that actively doing something to express grief helps further the healing process. Let your child frame a photo or draw a picture. Encourage your child to talk about his pet and remember happy moments.

Where did my pet go?

The death of a pet will raise issues which you may feel uncomfortable explaining. All but the very youngest children will ask probing questions: Where did my pet go? Why did he have to go?

Gently explain to your child that her pet has died and will not be coming back. Make absolutely sure that your child does not believe that something she has done has caused the death of the pet. Explain in physical terms what death is: the body has stopped working. Explain that a pet's life is naturally shorter than a human life (even though your pet may not have died of natural causes).

Avoid phrases like 'Fluffy has gone to sleep' or 'God took Fido'. Young children take things very literally and may fear that if they themselves 'go to sleep' they will not return, or could be 'taken'.

The age of your child and your personal spiritual views and will determine whether you wish to introduce the concept of a 'soul' or 'afterlife'.

Some grief counsellors recommend the following exercise. Ask your child where he thinks his pet is now. Let his imagination fill out the details of his pet's afterlife. Once your child can imagine his pet in a secure, happy place, it will help him move on to acceptance. This exercise need not conflict with your own beliefs. Your personal spiritual stance can be incorporated into your child's imaginary afterlife. It's also okay to say that no one knows for sure where pets (or people) go when they die.

It's not necessary to go into long philosophical debate about life and death, but to simply answer the question your child asks. Questions will arise naturally over time and it's best to deal in straightforward answers. Discuss and agree with your partner what you will both tell your child, particularly if you have differing religious or spiritual views.

Signs of grieving

Young children may show signs of grieving through upset eating and sleeping patterns, or regression in bladder and bowel control. Be patient and understand that these disruptions to your child's behavior are a way of grief expressing itself.

In older children, grief may manifest itself in behaving anti-socially or appearing withdrawn. Inform your child's teacher of the loss of the pet so that the teacher can be prepared for any unusual behavior displayed by your child.

Adolescents may not outwardly show physical signs of grief for the pet. This does not mean they are not grieving. Your teenager may have lost the only 'person' that he or she could confide in and believed loved them unconditionally.

As with all kinds of grief, it's not over in a day. Your child may ask questions and display signs of grief for months after the death of a pet. Expect your child to return to the subject of her pet's death repeatedly. This repetition helps your child come to terms with the loss. Be patient. Your child will continue to seek reassurance and understanding for a while yet.

A new pet?

Don't get a new pet right away. It may suggest to your child that his pet was insignificant and easily replaceable. You will sense when the time is right to bring a new pet into your home. Choose a time when a pet will be well-received and loved - a good thing for both your child and the pet.

Gary Le Mon is a Board Certified Master Herbalist specializing in natural home remedies for dogs and cats. Please visit http://www.NaturalWonderPets.com for BOGO Specials and useful information on 100% natural, herbal, veterinary/naturopathic remedies you can use at home to heal your furry friends. See also http://www.Natural-Wonder-Remedies.com

Explaining the Death of a Pet to Your Child

If you're a pet owner, it's a sad fact of life that you'll have to cope with your pet's death sooner or later. This can be especially painful for children, who may have spent their entire lives in the company of your furry (or scaly) friend. Following are some tips for helping your child to understand and handle the death of a pet.

Be honest. Don't tell your child his pet was "put to sleep" because he may get false hopes that it will wake up again! Or it may scare him into thinking he'll die in his sleep, too. The same goes for telling him that Fluffy ran away or went to live with someone else. Gently tell him that your pet died.

Read children's books that talk about the death of a pet with your child. These books contain simple, easy-to-understand language that will help your child understand what happened. She'll also realize that others go through this experience.
Let your child know that it's okay to cry and be upset. Tell him that you are sad about your pet's death, too. Encourage him to talk about his pet and share memories when he's ready. Don't act as if the animal never existed or sweep its death under the rug.
Let your child help you think of a way to memorialize your pet. Plant a tree in the pet's honor. Make a homemade gravestone. Put together a photo collage for her room.
If you're religious, talk about your faith and beliefs about death. Do you think that Rover is in heaven? Let your child know that his pet is no longer ill or in pain. Help him to imagine how happy his dog is now. However, do not tell him that God "took" his pet to heaven as he may fear that God will take him away from you, too!
If you're reading this before your animal has passed away, it's a good idea to bring up the possibility of your pet's future death with your child. Explain that animals don't live as long as we do. This will help her not to be so shocked when her pet actually dies.
If possible, pick your time wisely to tell your child that Princess has died. You don't want to tell your child that her cat died right before she's ready to get on the school bus. Select a time when you'll be able to answer questions and allow your child to grieve privately.

Expect your children to react differently. One child may cry, while the other may seem indifferent and hold his feelings inside. You may need to talk with each child individually about how he or she is processing the pain.

Don't be in a big rush to replace the pet. Sometimes, children get the mistaken idea that people are replaceable, too! Give your child time to grieve the lost pet before talking about a new one.

The death of a pet is part of the human experience. Although you can never make this a pain-free event for your children, you can do a lot to help them process their pet's death and express their feelings.

Susan M. Heim is a former Senior Editor for the bestselling "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series. Her published books include "It's Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy Through Adolescence"; "Oh, Baby! 7 Ways a Baby Will Change Your Life the First Year"; "Twice the Love: Stories of Inspiration for Families with Twins, Multiples and Singletons"; and the upcoming "Boosting Your Baby's Brain Power" and "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More." Her articles and essays have appeared in many books, magazines and websites. Susan writes a regular online column for Mommies Magazine called "Loving and Living with Twins and Multiples." She is also an expert on twins and multiples for AllExperts.com and ParentsConnect.com, and a parenting expert for SelfGrowth.com.

Susan is the founder of TwinsTalk, a website about twins and raising twins (http://www.twinstalk.com). Susan shares her parenting wisdom on her blog, Susan Heim on Parenting, at http://www.susanheim.blogspot.com She is the mother of 4 sons -- two teens and twin preschoolers.

Helping A Child Cope With Death Of A Pet

Two of the most difficult concepts for children to understand are death and dying. Parents should help children perceive death as something natural and inevitable. Bereavement councilors believe that the best way to deal with death and dying is to be honest about the event, although explaining the permanence of death to a little child is hard.

A child's ability to understand the death of a pet depends on his or her cognitive and emotional development. Children of different ages see death differently. Here are some points to remember when dealing with children whose pets have succumbed to the hands of death:

Ages 2 and below: A child's emotion is anchored on the reactions of those around him as he sees them the right people to emulate during a pet's death. Do not be afraid of holding back your grief and be open to show how you accept death at whatever cause.

2 to 5 years old: Like the leaves of a tree falling off during winter and growing back in spring, the little kid would see death as a temporary state. Expect the child to miss the animal as a companion and playmate but not as a love object.

5 to 9 years old: Contrary to the previous stage, the child now perceives death as something permanent however is indulged into that wishful thinking how death can be bargained with or defied. The death of a pet usually bothers the conscience of the child of these ages. Parents should always have the ability to reassure their children that they are not responsible for the death or that they should not be blamed for the tragic ending of the pet.

10 and up: It is in this stage that children are able to understand the difference between living and non-living things. Children now see their pets as just like any other living things which are subject to death at the right time. At this age, children may be bound to react to death in two ways:

a. Go through the stages which are undergone by grown ups including denial, bargaining, anger, guilt, depression and acceptance.

b. They may resort to the following:

Older children tend to withdraw from the people around them life family and friends. There is a big tendency that schoolwork can be affected by such withdrawal.
All children will tend to fear abandonment. The death of a pet may lead o the expectation that their parents may die.
Children might resort to regress such as temper tantrums or thumb sucking.

The presence of death itself could arouse the curiosity of the child and may cause them to ask so many questions about the event. As parents, it is your duty to honestly explain the phenomenon and answer questions as factually as possible. You don't have to go through tedious explanations if you answer sincerely and truthfully.

Lau Elaine invites you to her motherhood magazine to find out where to get children's furniture in Singapore. Sign up for your free membership today at The New Age Parents online magazine in Singapore and get access to our free subscription magazine plus many freebies and discount vouchers too.

Is My Child Ready For A Family Pet?

At some point every child asks that all time famous question. "Can I have a pet?" While owning a pet fosters responsibility and compassion, some children are just not ready to help take care of a pet. It is a huge responsibility and one that must be given careful thought.

There are many things you should consider as a family.

What kind of pet?

What kind of pet would fit into your life style best. There are many options from large dogs to little fish. You should carefully consider the needs of each and what you think will fit into you life style as well. The happiest pet is one with happy owners that don't feel stressed by its care and needs. You should study into types as well as breeds so you know exactly what to expect breeds.

Can you afford the addition of a pet?

Now that you have decided on a type of pet. You need to consider the cost of owning a pet. Pets even if you are given on free are very expensive. If you have a dog or a cat there will be vet visits, food, licensing, toys and supplies and if your pet should become sick there are medications they may need. Owning a pet is very expensive.

Do you have the time?

Animals require attention just like we do as human beings. The need to be feed, groomed, walked, played with. They need to know they are loved. With out proper care they will suffer. Families that are going threw major changes such as a move or birth of a child or that work long hours may just not have the time.

My home

Do you live in an apartment? Is a pet OK with your landlord? Will you have to pay a separate pet deposit? Do you have the space? Is there room in the back yard for a pet to roam? Are there laws in your area regarding scooping and licensing? What are they?

My child

Is he or she ready? Owning a pet is a family matter. Never surprise your child with a pet they are not expecting. Expectations about the pets care and exercise should be laid out clearly. Many children loose interest in a pet after the first few weeks and leave mom and dad to care for the pet. Pets require gentle handling and understanding do you think your child is ready for that? How do they react to animals you see out in public? Are they rough, or afraid? It may be better if they learn some animal care before you add a pet to your home. Visits to the local animal shelter are a wonderful start and often the staff is willing to teach basic animal care to children.

Remember

A pet is a huge commitment. Many pets live for at least 15 years with proper care. Will you still want this commitment then? Puppies, kittens and such are cute, but they grow and have needs that must be met.

Jennifer is a full time mother of nine children.She resides in a small fishing village on the coast of Maine.She has been married for 12 years to her best friend whom is also her loving husband.

You can find many more articles like this one at http://simplymoms.com as well as parenting chat and message forums; zjgim@hotmail.com

Tools For a Child Grieving the Loss of a Pet

As the mother of two very curious young children, I often find myself in the difficult position of answering my now 4-year old son's questions about death, heaven, the cemetery up the road, etc. It's been a real struggle for me. I want to be, most importantly, honest with him, but I don't want to scare his literal mind either. For instance, when he first asked me what the cemetery was, I was hesitant to tell a 3-year old that people get buried in the ground. At the same time, it's also quite easy to fall into the trap of underestimating children's intelligence.

I feel that I've slowly been learning that it's okay to not have an answer either. I don't really know what heaven is like or where it actually is. How do you explain what a soul or a spirit is to a child? About a week after not really being able to explain some of these things to my son, my husband got a GREAT laugh when my son informed him that "mommy really doesn't know very much." I have to admit that I laughed too. Okay, we both laughed really hard.

I try to remember back to when I was 4 and lost my mother to breast cancer. I'm told that while I was at my Grandmother's house with my Great Aunt Kate, while the rest of the family was at the funeral, that I told my Great Aunt Kate that my mommy went to heaven on a couch on wheels. I'm guessing that this came from the fact that she was laying on the couch resting at home 90% of the time, and that I saw her in the hospital on a bed on wheels. My little mind put all of these elements together and sent her to heaven. It was the resolution that I was able to come up with to comfort myself.

Often a child's first experience with death is when a pet dies. So how we help them handle that and memorialize the pet becomes really, really important. Here are a few tips to help you through this.

1. Be honest. It isn't necessarily easy, but it is more helpful to the child in the long run.

2. Take a piece of paper and fold it in half. On one side of the paper, draw a picture of your family before you lost your pet. On the other side of the paper, draw a picture of your family after you lost your pet. It's helpful to share your picture with someone who will understand. Ask them to just listen as you and your child explain it to them.

3. It really helps to talk about feelings, instead of bottling it all up inside. Have someone who loves your child (a grandparent, sibling or friend) ask them the following questions:

a. My favorite thing to do with my pet was . . .

b. The naughtiest thing that my pet ever did was . . .

c. The funniest that my pet ever did was . . .

d. What I miss most about my pet is . . . .

e. If I could talk to my pet, I would tell them . . .

4. Attempt to explain that the spirit or soul of their pet will always be with them. This can be very comforting to a child. They might not quite understand what that means right away, but they will think about it and try to make sense of it.

Talking about their feelings is the best way to help children to work through their grief. It is important to keep gently opening the lines of communication with them, to continue try to keep them talking. In addition, there are other very effective ways of helping children to express their feelings - through art, music, dance and simply playing.

It is very important for children to be supported in adapting to their loss. Sometimes it's appropriate to focus on getting a new cat, dog, rabbit or horse right away, and sometimes it's better to wait. Have a conversation with your child to see what they would like to do. It should be a family decision with everyone's input.

Always be honest regarding the death of a pet. You do not have to discuss all the details, but the child needs to understand what's going on. A child will find out the truth in the end and may become less trusting of the parent or feel betrayed if not told the truth. The child should be able to participate in the arrangements. If your pet is to be buried, the child should be given the option to be there. Burying your pet without the child's knowledge can, again, make the entire grieving process more difficult, and make the child less trusting at a time when he really needs them.

If at all possible, prepare the child ahead of time for the death. Mementos can be very important for children, and they may want some pictures with their pet, a plaster cast of your pet's foot, etc.

Creating some kind of ritual will be very helpful, and not just to your kids. Rituals are vital to human beings. We create them around everything in our lives - births, weddings, graduations, and certainly around death. Surely, in the case of a death, ritual creates the support that the living need to grieve and say good-bye - this becomes even more important with kids. Kids don't have that button inside that says with pets we're "supposed" to be okay when they die. They just know that their pet is their friend, and part of the family - and the space they leave is palpable.

Creating loving rituals and memorials (as found on http://www.Peternity.com) to mark the death of a family pet can make all the difference in the grieving process, and it can be a tool that the child takes with them and uses to help process loss and grief their entire lives.

Colleen Mihelich
Owner, Peternity . . . honoring your pet for eternity
http://www.peternity.com
colleen@peternity.com
877-PET-PEACE

Pet Loss - Helping Your Child Get Through the Grief

It is always difficult to deal with the loss of a pet, but it can be even more devastating to a child. Children often find it hard to understand what happened to their pet, and older children who do understand are often distraught. When you have to help your child deal with this loss, it can be a bit more difficult for you. Not only do you need to help your child with this loss, but you also have to cope with it yourself. It is natural for your child to grieve. To help you give your child the help that they need, here are some ideas that you can use to help your child get through this time of grief.

Encourage Discussion About the Pet

The first thing you can do to help your child get through the grieving process for your pet is to encourage discussion about the pet. Allow them to talk about their pet. You should be open about your pet as well. Encourage them to talk to others about their pet too. Discussing the pet can make them feel closer to their pet, even though the pet is gone. Grieving is all about openness and talking about the pet can be very helpful to children who are grieving.

Share Your Own Feelings

Another important thing you can do to help your child deal with pet loss is to share your own feelings. You need to let your child know that you are upset as well and that you feel the pain of loss and sadness. Sometimes the best thing you can do to help your child is to shed some tears together. They will feel like you are there with them, feeling the same pain, which will help them get through this.

Try to Answer Questions Honestly

You also need to try to answer questions honestly with your children if they ask you about the loss of a pet. Sometimes for smaller children, this can be a bit more difficult. Consider the age of your children and do your best to give honest answers that are age appropriate. It may not be easy, but honesty can help them get through this time, even though it is difficult.

Take Time for a Memorial to Your Pet

Taking time out to have a memorial to your pet is a wonderful idea if you have kids that are grieving over the loss of their pet. Whether you simply have a time of silence in the back yard, you bury your pet, or have them put in a pet urn, a special memorial can help your child have a sense of closure. When you formally grieve the pet, it can help your child get through this process, feeling that they have taken the time out to grieve their pet.

These are just a few ideas that you can use to help your child as they go through pet loss with you. Use these tips to help them deal with the loss and make sure that you take time to grieve your pet as well.

http://www.PetUrns.com is build especially for those who are looking for special ways to memorialize their beloved pets. Here you can choose from a variety of products such as pet caskets, pet urns, memorial jewelry, engraved urns and other sympathy gifts.

Is a Dog or Puppy the Right Pet for Your Child?

At some point in time every child asks for a horse, a kitten, or a puppy. How do you decide if a puppy or dog is the right pet for your child?

The first questions to ask are not necessarily about the breed or the size of puppy or dog but more specific to the responsibilities associated with pet ownership. Who will be taking care of the puppy or dog? The majority of children no matter what age will do the following with a puppy or dog... a) feed it when reminded, b) water it when reminded, and c) play with it when it suits them. Children become easily distracted when it comes to pet responsibilities. All of the care of a dog or puppy may not be age appropriate to expect a child to accomplish on a daily basis.

The second thing to consider is your living situation including how much space you have for a dog or puppy. Dogs and puppies need space, an area to sleep, an area to potty, and a corner of the world to call their own. That space may be your bed, your child's bed, a crate, or a utility room but space should be considered when choosing the breed and size of the pet you want. The potty department will require several walks a day if you don't have a fenced yard. That can pose a problem if you have young children and little extra time. Potty training a dog or puppy also takes time so deciding whose responsibility that chore will be is important to avoid conflict after the animal arrives.

Next, think about the expense of having a dog or puppy. The initial cost of the animal may include spaying or neutering if the animal is adopted from a shelter. If the animal is purchased from a breeder, the additional vet expenses for the procedures, immunizations, worming, monthly heart worming medicine, and daily food are all part of the expense of owning a dog or puppy.

Other things to consider when deciding if a dog or puppy is the right pet for your child should include the temperament of the breed. Aggressive dogs may not be the best choice for small children. Teaching children how to be safe around a dog or puppy should always include avoiding the food bowl when the animal is eating, soft petting and not pulling of tail and ears, and avoiding taunting an animal into aggression.

After the tough questions are answered, a new dog or puppy may be the perfect addition to your family. Children respond well to soft playful puppies and loyal bigger dogs. There is nothing more satisfying than to have a wagging tail meet you at the end of a rough day. Keep in mind though that most children are too young and often too busy to be the sole caregiver for a new pet. Families that share the responsibility of pet ownership and understand the safety of pet ownership will also share in the unconditional love those dogs and puppies give back.

Consider a shelter puppy or dog when the time is right to choose your pet. They often make very good pets. Shelter volunteers can help you pick the right dog or puppy for your family's needs and then be ready to open your heart and let the little rascal in.

Terri Forehand is a pediatric/neonatal critical care nurse and freelance writer. She has a passion for kids of all ages, especially kids who are fighting against tough illnesses and diseases. Visit her website at http://www.terriforehand.com for more stories for children. She lives on a small hobby farm with her husband, 6 alpacas, 3 horses, and an array of rescued dogs and cats.

What Kind Of Pet Should You Get For Your Child?

If you have kids, you should seriously consider getting them pets. That being said, which ones should you choose?

So you've finally broken down and decided to get your kids a pet! Before you welcome Rover or Spot into your house, you need to decide what pet is best for your children. Not all pets are created equal and in fact, many animals which are commonly bought for children do not make good pets at all. Here is a look at some of the better pets for kids.

Dogs can be playful and affectionate. They come in all sizes so you should be able to find one that fits your space limitations. Dogs can be quite different in temperament and you need to research the different breeds before selecting your pet. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog in America. They are great with children and are easily trained. Golden Retrievers are very devoted dogs. They are good for people of all ages and are great if your family likes to hunt. German Shepherds are wonderful family dogs. They adore children and love to be active. Beagles are smart and gentle dogs. You will need to give them a lot of exercise though. Any of these dogs make a great choice for kids. Cats are also a good choice, although you will want to spend a little time with the cat to see how it reacts to children.

Want something smaller? Forget about the hamster or gerbil. A rat makes a much better pet because they love to be held. If rats are not your thing, try a guinea pig. They are one of the top pets for kids. They are easy to take care of and they love to be picked up. They will let your children hold them and they even purr! You will rarely have problems with them scratching or biting.

You will often see iguanas or turtles in pet stores and often someone will try to convince you that they make good pets for kids. The reality is that they are not good pets for kids at all. Iguanas can grow quite large and become aggressive as they get older. Turtles are hard to take care of and they are pretty boring for kids. The better choice is a leopard gecko. They like to be held and they are not hard to look after.

There are many other pets that are good for children as well. The thing to keep in mind is that you want to find the pet that fits your particular children. You will want to consider their personalities and what they hope to gain from pet ownership. Some kids will be happy just looking at a goldfish while others want a pony. You will just have to figure out what works for your family.

Hal Storm is with www.petstoreyeti.com - your free resource for local pet stores, services and pet information.

Helping Your Child Cope With Pet Loss - 3 Tips to Help Children Ages 2-6

For many people, a pet is considered to be an important member of the family. Losing a pet can, therefore, cause a substantial amount of grieving in a household. When there are children involved, special consideration should be made as this is often a child's initial exposure with death.

In helping your child cope with pet loss, it is important to realize that everyone (including the parents) is going to be emotionally affected. You will need to convey to your children that it is okay to grieve. By showing your own emotions and grief, this sends a message that the pet was an extraordinary member of the family, and allows your children to also show their sadness and thus, start the healing process.

For children ages 2-6, the death of their pet will feel like the loss of a friend. A child may not see the death as something permanent. They may think their pet is asleep, or feel that bad behavior or anger directed towards the pet caused the death. By avoiding saying the pet has been "put to sleep," or "run away," you can minimize confusion or doubt. If you say that their pet's body no longer works and that the pet will not be returning, this helps keep the explanation simple.

The following three tips can give ideas on how to handle a pet's death with children ages 2-6:

1) inform your child's teachers about the pet loss in case there are any behavior changes

2) hold off on getting another pet until your child shows a desire for one

3) be open to having as many conversations as needed to allow your child to share his/her emotions and worries

Helping your child cope with pet loss will take some extra attention, however, children are generally able to accept their pet is gone and recover from the loss.

Deborah A. is an animal lover with a special interest in helping others cope after the loss of a pet. Are you trying to move past the grief of your pet's death? CLICK HERE [http://www.petlosshelp.info] or go to: [http://www.petlosshelp.info] to get more tips and relief in coping with your pet loss.

Top 5 Webkinz Pets For Your Child

Children just love stuffed animals. Now they can have a stuffed pet to carry around as well as a virtual pet that is just like the one they carry around with Webkinz. These pet toys are stuffed plush toys you can give your kids to play with that also lets them play interactively on the Internet. Each toy comes with a tag where the secret code is printed. This special code is the way that your children are able to become a member of the Webkinz world where they can use their toys to play online and have great fun.

The Webkinz world is a safe site where your children can enjoy playing with other members of the Webkinz community and most especially, it allows your children the ability to adopt a virtual version of their Webkinz pet that they can interact with in a different way. By adopting a virtual, your children will learn to be responsible in taking care of the pet. Your children will learn how to feed and take care of their virtual Webkinz so that it can grow and be healthy. They will also learn how to earn money, referred to as kinzcash, that they use to buy the necessary goods and accessories for their pet. Part of the caring for their Webkinz pet is the knowledge of giving medicine in case of an illness in their pet. They will be able to use their imagination in so many ways, one of which is they will be able to create the room that their Webkinz will live in. The children's talents and skills in making a comfortable and fully decorated room for the pet are really enhanced in this site.

Webkinz toys come in many wonderful pets for your children and

The top 5 Webkinz pets available are:

Webkins Dogs:

There are a variety of dog breeds you or your child can choose from. Pets such as bulldogs, basset hounds, cocker spaniels, golden retrievers, German shepherds, husky dogs, beagles, poodle, terrier, Dalmatians, pugs, Chihuahuas, and many others. They all come in small sizes but in different colors.

Webkinz Tigers:

There are also varieties of designs and colors plus the choice of a baby tiger or an adult.

Webkinz Lions:

The Lion is another of the top 5 Webkinz pets available which also comes in different colors and designs that your kids will surely love and enjoy.

Webkinz Cows

While they may be similar there are enough differences in designs to capture your child's imagination.

Webkinz Hippos:

Available in different sizes and so very squeezably cute.

With these top 5 Webkinz pets you can even find accessories and goodies to complete the children's enjoyment. Webkinz pet toys do not only give joy to your kids, these toys also teach them to love pets and be responsible in their care. Webkinz pet toys together with the Webkinz World can provide lots of fun for your children when it comes to playing, learning, socializing and skill enhancing. There is no better way to let your children play in a safe place and environment where they can learn and enjoy at the same time than in this Webkinz site with their Webkinz pet toys.

Steven Seferi is an online marketer and entrepreneur who specializes in niche website projects.

At What Age Should You Give Your Child a Pet?

If you have kids, you might be up in the air on getting a kitten, dog or something else. You probably should, but the question is when?

Kids dream of having their own pet. As parents, you might be confused as to whether getting a pet is a good idea or not. There is no right or wrong answer, however. A lot depends on your personal situation and the maturity level of your children.

If your children are not yet in school, they should not have responsibility over a pet. It is certainly fine for you to have a family pet, but you will need to be prepared to do most of the work yourself. Children at this age often do not know that they are bothering an animal and they simply think the animal is playing with them. You need to make sure that your pet will get along well with small children. Even gentle dogs and cats can become agitated when their tails are pulled or if a child is harassing them. If you have a bird, you will need to make sure that you are able to keep the cage out of the reach of children. Little kids love to stick their fingers into a bird cage and a bird loves to nip them.

If your children are in school, they are probably ready for a pet. However, you will need to have a serious discussion as to whether your child will be responsible for all of the pet care or whether it will be shared between family members. A child often will agree to take care of a pet. When the time comes to actually do it, they might be less inclined. If your child generally does a good job at taking care of his or her belongings, then they might be ready to take on the additional responsibility of a pet. However, you must supervise this care as you are ultimately the one responsible for the pet's care.

You should also never buy a pet on a whim. You will often see rabbits at a carnival or a box of free puppies on the side of the road. You might wander into a pet store at the mall and see a cute cat that you want to make your own. Avoid the temptation. Many animals which are bought on impulse end up in shelters. Do your research before you make a commitment to a pet.

If you have prepared for a pet and know what you are getting into, they can be a great experience for a child. Adults also often name the times they spent with their pet as some of their favorite childhood memories. There can be quite a few benefits to pet ownership. Many people feel that it helps children gain responsibility. It can also teach them how to be kind to animals and can have a therapeutic effect on many children. Some doctors also believe that having a pet as a child will help reduce your susceptibility to allergies when you are older.

Hal Storm is with www.petstoreyeti.com - your free resource for pet information.