Small pets are great for teaching your children all about how to look after another living being as well as encouraging them to have empathy for others. They can give so much joy to children, without causing us, as parents, that much more extra work, especially if we use the pet as a tool to teach children responsibility and have them be responsible for taking care of the animal. Read our guide for some of the best pets to consider for children under 10.
Cat
Cats are the ultimate low-maintenance pet. All they want in life is feeding, a bit of company, and sometimes if they want it, a cuddle. That being said, cats are generally really good for us to have around. They can have a calming effect on us and can be a really good companion to a child who is going through a hard time or simply needs a listening ear that won’t judge every so often.
If you do choose to adopt a cat, it might be a good idea to make sure you teach your child to watch out for the body language of their pet and what signs to look out for that the cat might not want their company, just to be on the safe side.
Rabbit
Rabbits can make an ideal companion for a child. Whilst, you would be forgiven for thinking they are dull, rabbits have a whole load of personality, and they generally love to bond with humans. They can also be easily trained, which can give your child something to work towards.
Guinea Pig
Just like rabbits guinea pigs also form strong bonds with their owners and they are incredibly gentle, making them the ideal first set for a child. They are easy to care for and can live outside if you don’t fancy having an animal in the house.
You could get your child involved with their care very easily, although they might be too young to take on full responsibility for it just yet. If you need some help with encouraging your child to fit feeding your new addition into their routine, start by creating a simple schedule they can follow.
Use a chart with stickers for each feeding completed, making it fun and rewarding. You could also set reminders together or make feeding time a family activity, so your child feels supported and learns the importance of caring for their pet.
Fish
Fish are extremely low-maintenance and take up very little room. They are incredibly fun to watch and can be relaxing, which is one of the reasons you find them in many waiting rooms. Just make sure before you go and choose your fish that you have the tank all sorted and that you read up on fish in-cycles. If you don’t get the nitrogen levels right before you add your fish to your tank, you could well end up losing them.
Bird
Birds are extremely social creatures with incredible intelligence, and they love nothing more than spending time with their human companions. Your child will love teaching their bird to talk or teaching them tricks. Spend some time researching which bird breed might be the one for your family, bearing in mind that some birds live for many years, with many outliving their owners
