Pets can teach kids responsibility and empathy

Up until recently, my preschooler viewed our dog mostly as an annoyance -- a pet who sat on her toys, stole her cookies when she wasn't looking, and generally got in the way. Then we gave her the task of taking care of her pet each morning. When she wakes up, she lets the dog out, feeds her (measuring skills, bonus lesson!), and gives her some water. Suddenly, I hear her saying things like "my dog" and petting her and playing with her too. It's been a great lesson for her in responsibility and also caring for another living thing.

There are many reasons pets are good for kids. If you're considering pet ownership, take a minute to check them out. In addition, take some time to do your research about the kind of pet that's right for your home, your family, and your lifestyle.