WHICH FURRY OR SPECKLED FRIEND IS BEST FOR YOUR CHILD?
Teach Your Kids Responsibility With Pets
GUINEA PIGS
Pets are more than furry friends to cuddle with during a Netflix marathon or spunky critters to watch dash around woodchips and newspaper shavings. These creatures, nomatter how small, can benefit the entire family. Just taking care of a pet is rewarding in and of itself, and all that responsibility can do wonders for your children. But, nomatter what type, age, or temperament of pet you choose, you will need to devote time, money, patience, and commitment to that relationship. Although no pet is commitment-free, some are better than others for children who need to ease into their new role as a pet owner. BRINE SHRIMP These tiny crustaceans, better known as sea monkeys, are foolproof starter pets for kids who just aren’t ready for the full commitment other pets require. Usually available in kits, children need only add water, and soon, they’ll watch their tiny sea monkeys emerge, become active, and grow. Maintenance for these creatures involves once-a-week feeding and occasionally adding water. A whole colony of these shrimp can thrive for a year or more withminimal care. LEOPARD GECKOS The appeal of cold-blooded creatures may be less obvious than that of fluffy, cuddly mammals, but reptiles make cool pets. When shopping for one, consider looking at small lizards like leopard geckos. These docile reptiles are lowmaintenance compared to larger lizards, snakes, and turtles. Though they are delicate in infancy, they grow into resilient and hardy adults.
Often overlooked for their smaller cousins, these gentle rodents make great pets for kids. Guinea pigs rarely bite, and they
interact with humans by squeaking and playing hide-and-seek. These rodents prefer to live in groups, so consider adopting two female Guinea pigs. In addition, long-haired Guinea pigs require daily grooming, which is great practice for those children yearning for a dog. OLDER DOGS AND CATS Though the overwhelming cuteness of puppies and kittens is quite tempting, they don’t make good starter pets. These furry friends require a lot of patience and training if you want them to grow into well-adjusted pets. Instead, adopt an adult dog or cat from an animal shelter. Older animals tend to be more tolerant of children, and trained and socialized animals are easier for kids to take care of. But, even the gentlest dogs and cats require a lot of work, so they are better suited for older children. Caring for a pet can be an incredibly rewarding learning experience. Pets provide companionship, entertainment, and educational opportunities for kids who are ready tomeet the challenge. Taking on the responsibility for an animal can teach your child to feel empathy for others, and that everlasting bond can provide immeasurable fulfillment for everyone in your family.
Take a Break!
DETOX SALAD Sweet and Zesty
Hoping to shave off those extra holiday pounds or keep upwith your NewYear’s resolution? Look no further than this easy winter detox salad!
Ingredients
For the Salad
3 cups chopped kale leaves 2 cups chopped broccoli florets 2 cups chopped red cabbage 1 cup matchstick carrots 1 large carrot, roughly chopped 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped cilantro 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds ⅓ cup sliced green onions 1 diced avocado 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon white miso 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Dressing
Directions
taste with salt and pepper or add extra honey for a sweeter taste. 3. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve immediately.
1. To make the salad, add all ingredients to a large bowl; toss to combine. 2. To make the dressing, add all ingredients to a blender
or food processor. Pulse until smooth. Season to
Recipe courtesy of LoveAndLemons.com
205-900-3361 • 3
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs