Pets are a great way to promote responsibility within a family. Children that grow up caring for a pet are generally more responsible and empathic as teens and ultimately adults. Feeding, grooming and exercising a pet are all things that require humans to focus on something besides themselves. Children can feel good about the care they are providing -a wagging tail or content purr is amazingly rewarding! Pets are the best listeners and will never betray a confidence. Learn more about the benefits of pet ownership at www.parents.com/parenting/pets/kids/pets-good-for-kids/