Kids constantly ask their parents to get them a pet. Pets are always on their birthday and holiday wish lists. Kids will tell you there is nothing they want more than a pet. They promise to take care of the pets as a selling point. Many parents however may not be convinced. Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility and kids have a lot to learn before they are truly ready for the challenge. Most kids want a dog or a cat, but there are other pets that kids will enjoy that don’t require the same degree vigilance in their care. These kinds of pets will teach kids about responsibility and caring for others.
One pet that is great for kids and for the whole family is a hermit crab. Hermit crabs are easy to take care of. They require feedings and their cages need to be cleaned, but other than that, they are pretty simple, easy going pets to have. They make a great first pet for kids and will show parents if their kids are really ready for a pet.
They also have something else that makes them great for the family. Unlike what many people might think, they don’t just sit in their cages all day and do nothing. You can have a lot of fun with a hermit crab. Take it out of its cage and really bond. If you have multiple children, each can have his or her own pet hermit crab. Best of all, your kids can race their hermit crabs. This is a great way to get the whole family together. It fosters healthy competition, cooperation, and teaches kids the value of patience.
Set up a course on a table or the floor. Take out your hermit crabs and set them down at the starting gate. Let the countdown clock begin. When the horn sounds, it’s time to race. Hermit crabs might not quite understand their role, but eventually, they’ll get somewhere. And the whole process builds anticipation, so even if your pets aren’t really moving, it’s still exciting. You can guide the hermit crabs in the right direction, but there are rules against interference that need to be clarified before the race begins. The winning team gets a prize and the glory, at least until next time. You can have a designated race day and create as much pomp and circumstance for the event as you want. The kids will have fun. Parents will enjoy seeing their kids smile and laugh.
Image by Sergio Presbitero on Flickr Creative Commons.
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