Ever since I was a child, I have always been drawn to animals. I now witness the same connection to animals in my own kids. Whether your kids have a natural desire toward animals or it needs to be developed, kids and pets can make a great mix. Learn how and why kids and pets can make a great mix.

Pets and kids can create a lasting bond. Chances are, you have witnessed a friend or family member bonding with a pet. Perhaps it was you. The bond that occurs between animals and their caregivers is undeniable. This is true, whether the owner is a kid or adult. When your child and a pet grow up together, they can become inseparable, almost like siblings.

Pets and kids understand each other. Just like kids can develop friendships with other kids, the same can happen with animals. With friendship becomes an understanding that can only come from a close relationship. This is good both for the animals, as well as your kids. Whether your child has a guinea pig, dog, cat, rat, or other animal, you'll begin to notice the special way they communicate with each other. Whenever my daughter's guinea pig sees her, he gets very excited and starts jumping up and down with squeals of delight. He only has that reaction with her. She knows what each of his sounds and actions mean and can tend to his needs by paying attention to these cues.

Kids learn responsibility by having pets. When kids are taught to care for pets properly, they learn responsibility. Pets are almost like having children. They have needs to tend to every single day. Basic needs like food, water, love, and a clean habitat are essential. Then, there are more things to do, such as training, grooming, and exercise. Each pet has its own needs. But they all create extra tasks for kids. This is a very good lesson in what it's like to be responsible for another's well-being. Be sure that if your child adopts a pet, the duties are left up to him. Parents may need to do certain things, especially at first. But let your child do as much as possible.

Pets are good preparation for family and careers. Speaking of being responsible for another, pet care helps prepare kids for their future. While pets and human babies are different, raising a pet helps prepare kids for potentially raising kids later in life. It also helps them practice essential skills, such as follow-through, that will be ideal for employment. A child who is used to completing required tasks every day is probably more likely to succeed in the business world than one who has less responsibility.

Kids and pets both need plenty of love and both provide it. Your child can be an important source of love and enrichment for a pet. The pet will in turn do the same for your child. While kids can and should get love from family and friends, the love a pet has its place as well. One can never have too much love. That goes for both kids and pets. If your child has a pet, encourage daily cuddling or other means of affection. It will depend on the pet as to the types of affection given. For instance, a child may talk soothingly to a turtle. But he can hug and pet a cat or dog.

Extra tips:

• Not all kids should own pets. Some will not get along with them or be responsible.
• Pet responsibility should be taught to the kids before adopting them and continuously.
• Not all pets will be good with kids. Test the relationship and choose pets for your kids based on that.

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

You notice your child's hamster is a little dirty. Should you give your child's hamster a bath? Is it safe? Does the hamster really need a bath or is there something else you should do instead? As a pet grandparent to a few rescued hamsters, I would never recommend bathing a hamster in water for several reasons.

Hamsters naturally bathe themselves in sand. When in their natural wild habitat, hamsters roll around in sand for cleansing purposes. They finish it off by grooming themselves. Many pet supply stores have Chinchilla sand and ceramic sand dishes you can provide to your hamster for this purpose. Never use the scented varieties or those made with powder. Only the unscented sand is safe for your hamster. The other products may irritate your hamster's respiratory system.

Bathing a hamster can remove essential oils. Hamsters naturally produce an oil that is essential to protect their skin and fur. Bathing your child's hamster will remove these oils, causing the hamster's skin to become very dry and irritated. This will be extremely uncomfortable for the hamster and will leave his skin very vulnerable. If the purpose of washing the hamster is to produce a shiny coat, it is unnecessary. The natural essential oils a hamster produces will provide shine without the act of bathing.

Wet baths are not recommend unless absolutely necessary. Because wet baths can cause chills, they are only to be used in extreme circumstances, such as your hamster getting covered in oil. Bathing your hamster can cause illness and even death. Hamsters get cold very quickly because of their small frame. Their skin is also irritated easily. Also, bathing products get absorbed into the hamster's fur and skin. When the hamster grooms later, these products will be ingested, which can cause poisoning. Even many of the products marketed for this purpose are not safe.

What if my child's hamster is dirty? Hamsters being properly cared for are not likely to get dirty enough to require bathing. Provided your hamster does escape and get into something messy, a bath may be warranted. Generally, you would use special pet wipes that are safe for use on hamsters or a damp cloth to spot clean the area. If your child's hamster is getting dirty often, check to see that the bedding is being changed properly and as often as needed. If your child's hamster smells, take the hamster to a vet to make sure there is not cause for concern. Foul odors can be a sign of illness.

When in doubt, call the vet. If something happens to the hamster that may require an emergency bath, call a 24-hour emergency vet for proper instructions. Only a licensed professional should ever bathe a hamster in water without proper advice and only a licensed professional should advise someone on how to bathe a hamster this way. In all other instances, wiping down the hamster with the proper wipes or a warm moist cloth should be enough.

*Always contact a licensed veterinarian for the health of your animals. The information above is not meant to replace the advice of a qualified professional and is derived solely from the author's own personal experiences.

More Hamster Care Resources:
Hamsters; Dumb Friends League
Small Mammals; American Humane
Small Angels Rescue Hamster Care Packet; Small Angels Rescue, Inc

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Are you thinking about getting your kids a dog? Don't let that cute doggy face lure you in before your kids even know what to do. My kids have adopted several small animals before, most of them with special needs. However, hamsters and dogs are entirely different. My method for preparing the kids for dog adoption includes plenty of exposure to dogs. Based on our experiences, I firmly believe that prior dog exposure educates kids before dog adoption.

Utilize time with dogs belonging to family and friends. My sister has three cute Dachsunds (aka 'weiner dogs'). When she first started bringing them over, two of my kids were terrified of them. But she kept at it and now all of the kids adore the dogs and get excited each time they come over. The kids have also spent quality time with other dogs belonging to family and friends. I feel this opens them up to a wide range of experiences with dogs, both large and small.

Give kids a chance to take over feeding time. If you have a family member or friend who won't mind the kids taking over one or more scheduled feedings, it can be a big help. My sister lets the kids give her dogs water and special treats when they come over. This is only a good idea with dogs who are not protective over their food. Feeding the dogs helps to prepare the kids for becoming a responsible pet parent. It teaches them what it's like and gives you and your kids an idea of whether they can handle it or not.

Let the kids give basic commands. Part of being a responsible pet parent involves teaching dogs commands. These commands are important for strengthening the bond between your child and the dog. They are also vital in various situations. My sister has already taught her dogs the basic commands. However, she allows my kids to command them and reward her dogs with treats when they comply. This helps to educate them on the kind of commands they should be teaching their future dog. My seven year old has taught her hamster a trick and I believe the idea came in part from giving commands to my sister's dogs.

Spend quality time with shelter dogs. One of our favorite things to do is visit the animals housed by one of the local shelters. The kids and I go interact with the dogs and cats every week, many times more than once each week. Each dog has their own personality. Because of this, I feel it is teaching the kids to adapt to various scenarios they may encounter with their own dog. Some dogs will come up to us right away. Yet others may shy away in the corner until they feel comfortable. We also make toys for the shelter dogs. We sell some of the toys to earn money for the shelter pets and we donate some of the toys as well.

A well-rounded experience with dogs teaches kids what isn't in books. Sure, a book may touch on some of the things kids will experience as a dog parent. In fact, the kids should be studying up as well. But just reading the text is not enough. In order to be fully prepared and well-educated on dog care, one-on-one interaction is an absolute must. What are you doing to prepare your kids for adopting a furry family member?

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Thinking of getting a dog? Just want your kids to know how to interact with them? Either way, it's an important lesson for all kids to learn. Teaching kids to interact with dogs takes time and patience but is well worth the effort. Before ever adopting a dog or having your kids around one for an extended period of time, they need to know what to do.

Dog safety lessons come first. Before your kids start interacting with dogs, they need to learn some important safety rules. While dogs can be great for kids, they are still animals and animals are unpredictable. Be sure your kids know what to do in various scenarios that may come up when interacting with dogs. Animal behavioral and care classes can often be taken at local animal shelters, rescues, and even some major pet store chains. Proper care is important. But so is injury and accident prevention.

Teach based on the reaction kids have to dogs and vice versa. How do your kids react to dogs? Do they run away? Are they gentle or rough? How do dogs act around your kids? Are they scared or in attack mode or are they gentle and loving. Reactions from both ends can tell you a great deal about what lessons your kids need to learn about dog interaction. It's not always a kid's fault when an animal feels threatened and vice versa. But the actions of both your kids and the dogs you expose them to can get you thinking about various positive actions you can teach to both for the best result. Even if all interactions are positive, there are still lessons to teach, such as certain things your kids can do to get dogs do tricks, follow commands, and be loyal.

Teach kids proper interaction firsthand. There is no better way for your kids to learn how to interact with dogs than actually doing it. If you are just talking to your kids and reading things from manuals, there is no one-on-one experience for them to better understand the lesson. If you can get both a professional dog trainer and dog behaviorist to work with your kids and a potential adoptive dog, that's even better. These experts can work together with kids and their dog to help them learn how to bond with each other and develop a positive relationship from the start. The experience can also help kids in knowing how to deal with other dogs as well.

Expose kids to dogs regularly. If a child is never around dogs, it is going to be exceedingly difficult to retain the knowledge. Once you begin teaching kids about proper interaction, they need to be around dogs as often as possible. The more exposure, the better for instilling the lesson and keeping it. If you have no dogs in your family, find friends with dogs or visit the local shelter. If your kids are old enough, they may even be able to volunteer to spend time with the animals, which would give them even more experience.

Talk to the experts. Vets and pediatricians will also have important knowledge and insight about the way kids should interact with dogs. Pediatricians are likely to have safety in mind for your child. Veterinarians are likely to have pet safety and care in mind. Talking with both experts will give your child a well-rounded lesson on dog interaction. By listening to the experts talk to your kids, you may also learn a thing or two.

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network            

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

"Please, Mommy. Pleeeeaaaase! He's soooo cuuute!!" If your kids are begging you to get a pet, think first before making that purchase. Many pets are bought on an impulse, which is sometimes not a good thing. Before you bring an animal into your home, be sure you teach your kids how to care for pets. It may seem simple in retrospect. But caring for an animal is a big responsibility that isn't for everyone.

Educate your kids first. Many pet supply stores and animal shelters have classes that kids can take to learn all about proper animal care. There are also plenty of books and trusted veterinary websites to learn more from. There is no excuse for not learning how to take care of a specific animal before making that purchase or adoption. Remember that any potential pet is a living, breathing being that deserves to be part of a loving, caring family. Our family's first hamster taught a valuable lesson about why parents need to educate kids before adopting a pet. Read, absorb, and discuss all the knowledge you and the kids can before bringing a new pet home.

Make your home pet-friendly. Think about what type of animal your family will be bringing home. Are there hidden dangers in your home that could be hazardous to your pet? Do you have other pets? How will they react to a new family member? Will your cat try to attack a hamster or a dog? If so, do not adopt those animals. Opt for pets that your existing animal family members will get along with or will be isolated from. Cats, dogs, birds, and other animals that may not be in cages need to be kept away from harmful items. Store chemicals in a locked cabinet, be sure there are no loose nails or chords, and check for other potential hazards. Pet-proofing can be much like baby-proofing. Let the kids help you with this so that they know and understand that pet care is serious business.

Soothe your pet's transition into the new home. When you bring your newly adopted animal into the home, he might be a little frightened or apprehensive. Give him time to adjust to his new settings. While your kids may want to play with your new pet right away, this may not be what the animal has in mind. A dog or cat may want to sniff out the place and even find a hiding spot for a little while before opening up. A hamster may want to hide under his bedding or inside a hamster house for a day or so. Give your pet some time to get used to the new surroundings and to you and the kids. Be sure the kids know how important this step is for your pet.

Show kids how to be gentle. This is one of the most important lessons kids need to learn with animals. Start teaching kids about this before you ever bring home a pet for the first time. A good way to do this is to bring the kids to homes of relatives with animals. You can even visit animals shelters regularly. Some will allow you and the kids to interact with the animals directly. This can help develop a relationship with a potential pet while also teaching the kids to be gentle with animals. If your children cannot be gentle with animals and do not have a visible care and compassion for them, pets are not a good idea.

Teach them about both the ups and the downs. Kids should know the joys of having pets, as well as the possible heartache. Having pets can be very rewarding and fun. Kids will enjoy playing with and observing pets. But they should also know that their pet will probably die before them. Small animals, like hamsters, live a very short life. Also, there is no guarantee that even a healthy animal will live its full life expectancy because anything can happen. Teaching kids about the possibility of their pet dying before it happens can help soften the blow when it does. You don't have to be overly graphic. But they should definitely know about both life and death when dealing with animals.

Pets are a fun and rewarding experience for both parents and kids. But it is vital to the health of your kids and pets to teach the children important pet care habits prior to adopting one.

*I originally published this as a Yahoo Shine Parenting Guru