It’s normal for children to begin asking for a pet as young as toddlerhood. Pets are a wonderful addition to the family – they’re a built-in best friend for your child and can allow your family to create tons of memories. But what most kids don’t realize is the level of work it takes to care for pets – and how that usually falls directly on the parents.
If you’re looking for a first-time pet for your family, consider a fish. It’s easy to assume that fish are boring – all they do is swim and eat, right? But there are actually a variety of benefits of introducing a fish into your family before another pet. It can help you prepare to welcome a pet into your family in the future that’s harder to care for, while also fulfilling your child’s desire to have a pet of your own. Consider these reasons to have a fish as your first pet.
It Teaches Kids Responsibility
One of the main reasons parents are hesitant to get a new pet is because they worry they’ll have to do all the work for it. The needs of the pet will vary depending on the type of animal, but what makes a pet a good first pet is that it can teach your children the basics of taking care of an animal.
For example, having a fish can show them the importance of feeding the animal at the same time every day. They’ll also see the necessity of keeping the fish tank clean. You can’t expect very young kids to be able to help out with too much pet care. But having a fish can open their eyes to how much work goes into having a pet, even a low-maintenance one.
Fish Are Low Maintenance
On a related note, parents will appreciate how low maintenance a fish is compared to other animals. This takes a lot of the burden off of the parent, while still allowing the child to have the joy of owning a pet. Fish usually only need to be fed 1-2 times per day and have their tank cleaned once a week.
However, this largely depends on the type of fish. Exotic fish require more care and knowledge, whereas common fish (like goldfish) may have fewer needs.
Unlike a dog or cat, you can also leave a fish alone for an extended period without worrying it’ll go to the bathroom in the house or create a big mess. It’s also easier to find someone to watch the fish if you’re away since they’re so low maintenance in comparison to bigger animals.
Having a low-maintenance pet is even more important when you have younger kids, who require more help and create bigger messes. Before settling on a type of fish, do research to make sure it will work best for your family’s lifestyle.
Can Improve Health & Well-Being
Fish aren’t just pretty to look at – research has found that they have a calming effect on both adults and children. This can help reduce anxiety and depression while improving other health conditions.
For example, My Petsies explains that Aquarium therapy is an actual technique used to treat a variety of health problems, such as Alzheimer’s, autism, and heart-related diseases. Fish have also been beneficial to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as they can help catch their attention and increase concentration levels.
Don’t Have To Worry About Noise
Fish are an especially good option if you have a baby (or a toddler that still naps) in the house, since they don’t make sounds. While a screeching bird or barking dog would easily wake a baby up, you’re not going to have to worry about any noise from the fish.
This is also a benefit for families that live in a small home or apartment, and are worried that a larger pet may not be conducive to their lifestyle. You won’t have to worry about the fish making noise and bothering the neighbors, or not having enough space to get exercise.
Inexpensive To Care For
Finally, another reason many families are wary about adding a pet into the mix is because of finances. A large pet like a dog comes with a lot of expenses – from the price of food to grooming and unexpected vet bills.
While the cost of having a fish will depend on the type, in general, they tend to be less expensive than other sorts of pets. The more exotic or high needs your fish are, the more expensive they’ll be to care for.
Pet Place explains this could range anywhere from $ 85 to $ 450 per year and can include the cost of fish foods, filters, and decoration. Do your research to ensure the type of fish you’re getting works for your lifestyle as well as your budget.
Sources: My Petsies, Huffington Post, Pet Place,