Spring is the time of new life, and often the time that people end up getting pets for their children. Having the responsibility of a new pet is great, but don’t give your child more than they can handle – for their age or their temperament.

1. Fish – most people think of fish as a simple first pet. It doesn’t take much to keep the goldfish and there is no real walking or clean up, but this is a MYTH. Fish need lots care and special equipment. Even goldfish need a tank that will hold 20 gallons and that has a pump. Plus, fish that are taken care of properly will live a surprisingly long time.

2. Birds – just pass over these for your children. These are long term pets with some species living up to 70 years!

3. Hamsters and gerbils – these are probably some of the best first pets that you can get for your children. They take up a relatively small space, require minimum maintenance and they have short life spans (around three to five years).

4. Dogs – long term commitments (up to 20 years) with lots of maintenance.

5. Cats – long term commitments (up to 15 years) with lots of maintenance.

If you HAVE to get your child his or her first pet, then start with the child’s own age as a determining factor. How responsible is she about doing other chores around the house without being told. If she isn’t doing any chores, then start with that. After a full month of doing chores WITHOUT being reminded then you can start with a small pet (like a gerbil or a hamster).

What ever you do, don’t get a first pet on a whim. Research the animal AND the breed to determine if its needs will fit in well with your family.

Few people are born organizers.  Most have been taught by a parent, or someone else close to them, how to keep a house clean (for good or bad).  I was NOT taught how to clean.  Suffice it to say that I was a pack rat with enough clutter in my room (and in my life) that you couldn’t see the floor.  I had an excuse - really I did.  My mom worked and so she paid a housekeeper to do the laundry and the tidying up. 

My husband had a mother who was meticulous about cleaning.  He was use to the “woman of the house” keeping things right. We made a very interesting pair at first. We’ve both had to grow and give and change - but I would say that I had done the most (he would probably disagree).Over the last few years, I have learned how to clean and how to organize.  The best thing I have learned to do is let go of clutter. 

I’m doing everything in my power to teach my kids good habits for a clean and healthy home and life.  Do you love, will you use it, and can you find it a home are all things that my children are becoming intimately familiar with when it comes to toys or trinkets they want to bring into the home.  The good news is that it seems to be catching.  This morning, the 21 month old was picking up the floor and putting things in the garbage (fortunately the things belonged in the garbage).

The moral is that it is never to late or too early to de-clutter your life.