Updated: July 2, 2020
Originally Published: Oct. 13, 2015
So, the inevitable has happened: Your little one has expressed a desire for a pet. Exciting, right? Let me save you some thought—it’s not. When your child asks for a pet, they’re really asking if you’d like to take on the responsibility of caring for an animal in your home, all while getting zero acknowledgment for it. That adorable puppy isn’t really your child’s; it’s yours. I can already hear your defense: you’ve had a serious talk about responsibility, and your child will handle all the care. Go ahead and message me on social media while you’re cleaning that pet’s mess. I’ll respond with a few laughing emojis for moral support—maybe five.
But don’t despair; some pets are definitely worse than others! While some can be bearable and even enjoyable, there are a few that you should absolutely rule out. Here’s a rundown of some pets and the reasons they’re not the best choice:
Dog
Missing the toddler phase? Get a puppy! You’ll be reminded of those sleepless nights spent removing non-food items from a drooly mouth, only to watch as the little guy pees on your rug right after being let back inside. Nostalgia at its finest!
Cat
Ever wanted to teach your kids about rejection? Adopt a cat! Just be sure to pick one that has a lifespan of around 20 years. If you adopted one of those, you’ll notice it will despise you and mark its territory all over your house.
Hamster
Don’t be fooled by their cute little tubes and catchy songs. Hamsters are adorable but primarily nocturnal, which means they’ll be wide awake when your child is ready for bed, gnawing away on everything in sight while you try to catch some shut-eye.
Fish
Exciting to pick out but quickly become dull. After the initial thrill of bringing them home, your kids will soon realize that their new aquatic friends do nothing but swim around. Unfortunately, fish also come with a high risk of sudden death due to pH levels or other confusing science stuff.
Rabbit
Rabbits don’t want to be pets; they want to stay in their little world, munching and snoozing. Trying to cuddle one is like trying to hug a frightened celebrity—good luck getting them to stay calm!
Bird
Want to experience the chaos of a wild animal in your home? Buy a bird! They love to fly around, make noise, and leave little surprises everywhere. Plus, they tend to form intense attachments to one person, usually the one who feeds them, leading to jealousy and potential squawking matches with the rest of the family.
In the end, there aren’t really any great pet options. Perhaps it’s time for Plan B: spoil the kids with an extravagant gift instead. Trust me, whatever you splurge on will still be easier than dealing with a pet.
For more insights on family life and tips, check out this blog post on pet choices, or explore this resource for navigating family planning. If you’re seeking information on pregnancy and related topics, Healthline is an excellent resource.
Summary
In conclusion, while the idea of getting a pet may seem appealing to children, the reality is often filled with challenges and responsibilities that ultimately fall on the parents. From dogs and cats to hamsters and fish, most childhood pets come with their unique set of problems. If you’re considering a pet for your family, it might be worth exploring other options instead.