Kids and Pets: Teaching Children Goldfish Responsibility

Goldfish are a great way for children to have pets that they long for and learn responsibility from at the same time. Although they don't require a substantial amount of maintenance compared to other pets, they still require enough that the kids can learn the importance of care and love for animals. Teaching your children how to care for the goldfish can help them earn the privilege of having pets as well as learning several other life skills.

Choosing the Goldfish

Your child should learn how to purchase goldfish instead of just picking them out because they're pretty. The goldfish should be around the same size; bigger ones may end up picking on the smaller ones. The fish should look healthy while swimming; they should be able to dart back and forth and swim from the top to the bottom of the tank with ease. Pet stores are supposed to isolate sick fish so the other fish don't get sick as well so if there seem to be sick fish in one tank, you're better off moving on to another one.

Choosing the Tank

Buying the right tank is important so you can make sure the fish have enough room to swim around. If possible, opt for a tank that requires a filter as opposed to a fish bowl so the fish have plenty of space. Tanks with a filter also require cleaning, but much less frequently than a bowl. The size of the tank relates to the size of the gold fish and the number of fish you choose so keep that in mind when you choose the fish. It can help your children learn that every animal needs to feel not crowded and needs his space.

Buying Tank Decorations

Your child can help you pick out decorations by looking for those that state they are safe for fish tanks and are nontoxic. When choosing gravel, keep in mind that none should be used in the tank except for that which is specifically meant for tanks. Plastic plants are also important as are fish rocks that the gold fish can swim under and around.

Behavior With Fish

Teach children that proper care can help the animals thrive and be happy. Children should learn to avoid handling the fish or poking at them while they are swimming. In addition, they should also know not to tap or hit the glass.

Observing the Fish and Tank

Making sure that the fish are safe and healthy and that the tank is clean is an important part of having the pets. Kids should be aware of problems to look out for, for example whether any of the fish are being aggressive, if the tank is becoming too dirty or whether any of the fish look ill.

Cleaning the Tank

The fish tank needs to be thoroughly cleaned once a month; every two weeks you can do only a partial water change. The water must also be room temperature. After you remove the fish, the children can wash off the decorations then stir up the gravel on the bottom to bring up some debris so it can be cleaned out when you do the partial water change. The filter will also need to be changed about a week or so after you clean the tank, so carefully follow the directions on the box when you do so. Make sure the children know that the fish do not immediately go back in the tank until the water has had a chance to settle.

Children can learn quite a bit of responsibility from such little animals. They are not only cute animals, but can be great for preparing them for other pets that they may want in the future.