Pet Fish and Parenting

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There would come a time in a parents’ life that children would incessantly ask them for pets of their own. This is a dilemma that parents face - I know I gave them a hard time back in that stage of my childhood - because having a pet for the first time entails a whole other parenting aspect. It requires introducing and guiding kids the responsibility of taking good care of a living thing. While many young children have the cute and cuddly hamsters or fun and baby-like dogs in mind, a pet fish is actually the best choice.

Your child will be just as thrilled with fish as a first pet. It is small, clean, easy and fun to watch it swimming around. Not to mention, it does not take a lot of time in teaching its nutrition basics and trust building to kids.

But what kind of fish should you get?

Well, the goldfish is a common option, but the Betta fish is actually way bettah! Goldfish actually need more attention, while Betta fish are inexpensive, and only needs food, water at room temperature, and a small glass bowl to live in.

It should be noted though, that Betta fish are territorial creatures. Fish are naturally beautiful and relaxing to watch but do not put two Betta’s together in one container because they will end up fighting which might scare your child instead of want to take care of it.
Small and peaceful fish like the neon and cardinal tetras, cory cats, gouramis and zebra danios may also be recommended for your whole family to enjoy. It is a family effort after all, to consider a pet alone and plan ahead on what kind of fish to buy.

If you’re worried that your son or daughter can’t touch a fish, fret not! Parenting with your child having his or her first pet fish only takes a few steps.

• Encourage to give little fishy a name; it has to come from him or her.
• Prepare its glass bowl or jar together. Ask your kid if he or she can pick it out himself or herself along with some pebbles for the bottom.
• Let your child take over in feeding it everyday. But whatever food it is - flakes, pellets, freeze-dried or live treats - remind to not overdo it. Uneaten bits make the glass jar or bowl dirty. Help in measuring the right amount of food.
• Clean the bowl together as necessary. It will be a quick job. But when it comes to changing the water, do not take out more than half of it so that the delicate balance of good bacteria for your finned friends to stay healthy will not be disturbed.

You can enjoy the experience of a fish as your child’s first pet with the whole family. It will be such a joy to be able to see your child’s development in the construct of what it means to take care of something, because having a pet fish does not take so much toll on parenting.