I get tired of hearing about kids and reptiles. It depends on the kid and the parent. If you have a rugrat that's a terror that you can barely handle, then fine, no reptiles(or any animals). My son is ten and has been around reptiles since very young and understands reptiles do not like to be handled and has no desire to do so. He knows not to startle them or bother them, he RESPECTS them, he loves having them around. He knows more about Uromastyx than a lot of adults I see post. We had a dog for a while (for him) and he couldn't stand the dog bothering him all the time! Now understand, my son is not the average kid, and I "do everything" and LOVE it...he helps with certain things, but it is like he is helping me fix a car, "hand me this, hold this...you see that? watch me adjust this...lets go to the store and get the supplies..." Do you buy a reptile and expect a child to have impeccable husbandry? Of course not. YOU care for the pet whether it's a dog or a snake or a bunny. In reality there is no good pet at all if you expect a child to care for it, or even worse the pet to "keep your kid busy". Pets are an adult responsibility that hopefully you and your child can enjoy together. More like an interest and experience to pass on to your child. An interest YOU must have then share. Should Mrs. Smith get her kid a Uromastyx? I hope not. But my son and I can't imagine not having them. Should all of his classmates have them? Hell, no.

[ Show Entire Thread ]