| Millions of families on this planet include at least one | | | | Watching a stumbling kitten struggle with its new |
| non-human member. Whether it is a dog, cat, fish, | | | | limbs while it explores the wonder that is the world |
| turtle, rabbit or python, a new pet can very quickly | | | | around it often inspires the same type of wonder in |
| become a much-loved member of the family in its | | | | the watcher. Sharing these types of experiences |
| own right. | | | | with your young children is like being present and |
| Many studies have shown that this can only be a | | | | watching the birth of their own personalities before |
| good thing - for many reasons. When it comes to | | | | your very eyes. You are watching, even influencing, |
| teaching children a variety of life lessons, helping to | | | | them as they create the fundamental thought |
| bond individual members of the family together as a | | | | processes that will inform their every future move in |
| unit and generally creating a sense of well-being and | | | | life, as they incorporate their maturing view of the |
| contentment within the home, there is nothing like | | | | world into the expression of their own existence. |
| the unconditional love that a family pet radiates. | | | | |