Category: Human Interest

If you are thinking about getting a pet for your child, how about reptiles?  They make excellent pets, simply because they are exotic and unique. These unique creatures are low-maintenance, interactive, and cute.  Having reptiles as a kid can teach your child a lot of responsibility.

You never know, a reptile may help your child know what he or she wants to pursue in life, such as a biologist. These exotic pets can also bring your child so much joy.

But, here is the thing, not all reptiles are child-friendly. Some reptiles, even the most popular ones, make terrible pets for children.

That is precisely why you need this article, which will introduce you to our 9 child-friendly reptiles that are safe for your family. Read on to learn more!

What are Reptiles?

Reptiles are land animals that have dry skin covered by scales. They are cold-blooded vertebrates that lay eggs.

This group of animals is made up of lizards, chameleons, snakes, skinks, turtles, tortoises, and alligators. These animals are ectothermic, which means their body temperature is dependent on their environment. Reptiles also come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors.

Some reptiles, like leopard geckos and bearded dragons, can be used for animal therapy for children. This is so because these animals are calm, friendly, and like to be cuddled.

9 Child-Friendly Reptiles

For each reptile to make it to this list, it had to meet five important criteria, which include the following.

• Cheap and easy to feed and keep
• Friendly, calm, and easy to handle
• It has to be not dangerous
• It needs to be hardy and tolerant because kids tend to make mistakes

1.    Leopard Gecko

Photo by Andrey Tikhonovskiy on Unsplash

A leopard gecko can make a great pet for a child. Leopard geckos are very hardy, tolerant, passive, and easy to handle. These little animals really like to be petted and cuddled.

Over a long time, geckos have developed special features that help them survive. One of such unique features is the tail, which serves several purposes. They use it for balancing, storing fat for energy, and acting as camouflage. And they can shed their tail.

These interesting lizards are also easy to look after. They only need one size of an enclosure because they don’t grow too big. They don’t need special lighting, which is quite expensive. Get more information on how to care for a leopard gecko at reptileslife.com.

Another interesting aspect of these little creatures is that they don’t have teeth. So, if they accidentally bite kids (very seldomly), they are not going to hurt them.

2.    Crested Gecko

Photo by Pierre Bamin on Unsplash

A crested gecko is an arboreal lizard with a relatively docile temperament and a gentle disposition. Crested geckos are easy to handle when they are comfortable.

Although juvenile crested geckos may tend to be nervous and skittish when handled, adults are more tolerant. Crested geckos like to jump probably because they are arboreal reptiles. So, that shouldn’t worry you so much.

Like leopard geckos, crested geckos are fairly easy to care for. For starters, they don’t need a very big enclosure or special lighting features. They can conveniently thrive on shop-bought gecko food as well as feeder insects and crickets.

3.    Bearded Dragon

Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

A bearded dragon or a beardie is a slow-moving reptile that is usually passive. Bearded dragons are among the most popular pet lizards out there.

Beardies have one of the best temperaments as far as reptiles are concerned. They are normally docile, easy to pick up and appreciate being handled. They are so cute, and they are one of the few reptiles we know that like to cuddle a lot.

Unlike geckos, beardies require a slightly larger aquarium tank or an enclosure. A smaller habitat will restrict activity, which may end up affecting the well-being of the beardie. They also need special lighting features to maintain the ideal temperatures and UVB.

4.    Corn Snake

Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

Also referred to as a red rat snake, a corn snake is a brownish-yellow or orange snake with a unique pattern of red blotches. Corn snakes also have distinctive rows of black and white marks on their bellies.

Most snakes are feared because of their aggressive behaviors and defenses. Corn snakes, on the other hand, are non-aggressive, docile, calm, and will be comfortable being handled by any member of your family. They are hardy, so they could handle a little bit of rough handling by a kid.

These reptiles are also easy to house. You just need a terrarium of at least 40 gallons. As far as feeding is concerned, they eat about one rodent a week, making them easy and economical to feed.

5.    Blue-Tongued Skink

Photo by Alexander Kuzmin on Unsplash

A blue-tongued skink is a heavy-bodied pet lizard that is characterized by a blue tongue, triangular head, and short tail and legs.

Blue-tongued skinks are arguably one of the best reptile species for a child. They are among the hardiest and most robust reptiles in our listing because of their size and stature. These reptiles are easily tamed, gentle, and often like to be handled, making them suitable for kids. You should, however, supervise your child when he or she is handling this lizard because it may get startled and jump.

Blue-tongued skinks will thrive in an enclosure that measures roughly 36 by 18 by 10 inches. They also need a larger floor space because they are terrestrial.

6.    Ball Python

Photo by Timothy Dykes on Unsplash

A ball python is a nonvenomous constrictor that lives in sub-Saharan Africa in the wild. They are the smallest of the African pythons.

Ball pythons are considered good pets for children because they don’t grow too big, are well-mannered, and are easy to handle. They are generally very docile snakes and rarely bite. Frequent handling makes them more comfortable around children.

Ball pythons are not difficult to care for. You need a terrarium of around 40 gallons and access to food and clean water.

7.    Stinkpot Turtle

A stinkpot or musk turtle is a distinctive reptile that a child would like to have as a pet. They are called stinkpot or musk turtles because they do musk and smell.

They are funny little turtles with a lot of personalities. Some are very secretive and shy, while others are curious and responsive. A stinkpot may appear boring on land, but it is very interactive and fun in the water. It’s going to swim around and come up for food.

A musk turtle should thrive in a 30 to 40-gallon tank with a water (dechlorinated) depth of about 8 inches. Musk turtles also thrive on a commercially available diet.

8.    Kenyan Sand Boa

A Kenyan sand boa is a distinctive pet reptile with a thick, short body, small eyes, and a blunt head.

As far as frequent handling is concerned, Kenyan sand boas tick all the boxes. They have a manageable size for a child and don’t tend to move very quickly. They are also quite hardy, which means a little bit of rough handling will not hurt them.

What is truly impressive about these snakes is the fact that they can go a long time without water and food. This is a good thing for a busy parent who doesn’t have a lot of time to help his or her kid take care of the snake.

9.    Collared Lizard

A collared lizard is a colorful reptile that is usually found in the deserts of the southwestern United States in the wild.

Collared lizards are normally intelligent and docile. But, they have to be tamed first before they can tolerate being handled frequently. So, we recommend parents always supervise their children when they are handling collared lizards.

A collared lizard should be comfortable in an enclosure or tank that is at least 30 gallons or larger.

These reptiles need to feed mainly on insects to get the appropriate nutrients for their well-being. Younger collared lizards usually eat more insects than adults.

Safety Tips to Consider

Reptiles can make great pets for kids, but some of them may be carrying salmonella bacteria even when they appear healthy and clean.

Salmonella doesn’t usually cause reptiles to get sick, but it can make a child ill. The risk of a child getting a salmonella infection is high because of their developing immune system.

In this section, we will provide you with important safety tips that will help reduce the risk of your child getting a salmonella infection.

• Take the reptile to a veterinarian to be cleared of salmonella bacteria
• Teach your child to thoroughly wash his or her hands with warm water and soap immediately after handling a reptile
• As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child washes his or her hands after touching a reptile
• Avoid introducing reptiles to younger children (less than 5 years old) because their immune systems are not well-developed
• Always keep the reptile enclosure or habitat as clean as possible and out of reach for younger children

Final Words on Child-Friendly Reptiles

Photo by Macey Bundt on Unsplash.

Pet reptiles like bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and corn snakes are fascinating for kids. But, they do need care and attention. So, you have to make sure that you and your family are well-prepared before taking one home. You need to have the appropriate habitat for the reptile, and teach your child how to handle and care for the animal. Most importantly, you (the parent or guardian) must always have time to supervise your child when he or she is handling a reptile. pet

Remember when you were a kid and the only thing you lived for was summer vacation? You and your family would pack up and head off to the beach, mountains, or anywhere that suited your fancy. You cherished the memories and vowed to do the same for your family. When you kids are small, but not so little that they can’t remember the time you spend together.

So, if you’re still trying to decide on where to take your kids this summer, here are some of the best vacations destinations you should consider visiting this summer.

Planning Your Trip

Before we let you in on the top vacation spots, let’s talk about planning your trip. Aside from deciding on a destination, you need to create a checklist of everything you want, need and even the things you’re willing to forego. After all, vacation costs can add up quickly, so you want to make sure that both you and your family can make the most out of your time together. You also need to think how much you want to spend and whether or not your dream vacation fits into your budget. If you have a vacation fund, then make sure that you have enough to cover all of the expenses, including potential emergency trips to the ER. As a parent, you already know how fast accidents can happen.

If you’re short funds but still want to get away, you have a couple of options. You can either choose a less expensive location, or you could consider getting a personal loan. Personal loans can be tailored to meet your specific needs, which means you aren’t obligated to borrow than you can easily pay back. You should also check out your credit report prior to applying. It’s not uncommon to find mistakes, which if severe, might disqualify you from being approved. Check out your report and if you find any errors, make sure they’re corrected before you apply.

Another cost factor is how close you are to your destination.  If you live in the United States, here are a few options in various locations.

Miami Beach, Florida

What’s not to love about the sun and the sea? No matter what time of year your travel, southern cities like Miami make it easy to plan a hot vacation any time of the year.  If your family loves to spend time at the beach, Miami Beach is the place to go. With beautiful blue water, white sand beaches, and plenty of kid-friendly hotels, the hardest decision will be deciding when to head back home.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

If rural settings and small towns are more your cup of tea, you might want to check out Jackson Hole. This serene vacation spot has something for every kind of nature lover in your family. You can go white water rafting on Snake River or tubing Snow King Resort. If your children are into castles, you can head to Teton Village. There are also plenty of budget-friendly hotels in the area as well.

Islands of Hawaii

If you want to visit the tropics but want to remain in the US, Hawaii should be on your radar. All of the islands are family-friendly, and offer a wide variety of activities to keep you busy. On Kauai, you can hike until your heart’s content, or simply take in the beauty of Waimea Canyon. If you’re more into lively beach vibes, Honolulu is the place to go. White sand beaches and the smell of coconut oil create the perfect backdrop for any family getaway. You can even attend a luau or learn how to do the hula with the locals.

Disney World

If you’ve been wondering whether Disney World is really worth the hype, then you’ll be happy to hear that yes, it is. If you want to instill a love of travel in your kids, this long-term family favorite has something for everyone. You can visit Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs. You can opt to stay on site at Disney Villas, or you can stay in one of the numerous hotels of all price points.

Dinosaur Valley, Texas

Located 75 miles southwest of Dallas, your little ones can see some of the best-preserved dinosaur tracks in history. In addition to scouting for tracks, you can also hike along the Paluxy River, go mountain biking or take a ride in a covered wagon. There are also plenty of museums to visit in nearby Glen Rose, which happens to be the dinosaur capital of the world. When it comes to accommodations, you can pitch a tent, rent an RV or stay in one of the many budget-friendly hotels.

Black Hills, South Dakota

From taking a walk back in history to the wild west in the town of Deadwood, to the epic view of past presidents on Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota will not disappoint.  There are plenty of places to camp, fish, and hike in the Black Hills National Forest. Drive through a pasture of roaming buffalo, witness archaeology digs for dinosaurs,  or take a ride on a steam engine.  There are endless activities and events that a family of all ages will never forget.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides a home for Gatlinburg, which in itself is a historic destination in the heart of the park.  It is a small town that offers visitors a chance to see the natural beauty of the area. There are several trails that lead to different parts of the park. Some of them are easy while others require hiking skills.  Hiking is not just about seeing the scenery, but also about getting closer to nature. Head north to Pigeon Forge and experience the charm of the south. This trip provides a glimpse of what life was like before the arrival of man.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is an excellent vacation destination for families due to its diverse attractions and vibrant culture. The city offers engaging experiences like the Georgia Aquarium, one of the world’s largest, and the Atlanta Zoo, home to over 1,500 animals. Families can explore interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta or enjoy the scenic beauty of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Atlanta History Center and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. With its blend of educational, recreational, and cultural activities, Atlanta provides a memorable and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

In a word.  It’s big!  The Grand Canyon is truly one of the natural wonders of America.  It spans across 277 miles in northwestern Arizona.  You simply have to see it, to believe it.  And that what makes this vacation destination memorable with it’s epic depth and towering peaks and gorges and ravines throughout.  Stay overnight in one of the nearby towns to explore all the Grand Canyon has to offer or make a day trip from Las Vegas.  Either way, it’s truly one of the wonders of America.

Glacier National Park, Montana

If you choose to make Glacier National Park your destination make sure you take the slow way there.  Going-to-the-Sun Road is perhaps the most awe inspiring mountain road there is.  Large trucks and camper trailers are no long allowed which makes it a pleasure for in cars to meander through the mountain road.   Plenty of roadside turn outs make is easy to stop and look over the edge. Make sure to check for seasonal road closures so you don’t have to turn around and take another road into the part.  The park feature melting glaciers, beautiful alpine meadows, valleys, and crystal clear lake.

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Mammoth Cave in west-central Kentucky is an adventure for explorers at heart, with caves to the east and west that are connected.  It’s been called the largest mapped cave system in the world. The caves possess striking stalactite and stalagmite rock formations.  Many unique animals make this area their home in the dark caves, from crickets, eyeless fish, and eyeless crayfish.  Lighted tours reveal all the wonders of the caves that were first seen by native humans with fire and later by the first explorers with lanterns.

Gen Z is currently the second youngest generation, occupying the years between 1995-2010. They’re the most diverse generation, having 48% of its members nonwhite. They identify as LGBT+ 20% of the time, double the rate of any other generation. And they’re posed to be the most educated generation in the near future.

These are all important facts to know when considering the fact that by 2031 Gen Z is projected to reach over a quarter of all global income. This equates to over $2 trillion in earnings, an amount greater than even millennials. This is all to say that Gen Z’s opinions and consumer habits matter.

So what are those habits and opinions? What do members of Gen Z value in the brands and products they consume? The answer seems to ultimately lie in values. Gen Z have the lowest trust in institutions at large, the least loyalty towards brands, and want to find brands they can morally trust.

Gen Z Values

In practice this means 65% of Gen Z research a product before they buy it. Above all 63% of Gen Z trust friends’ recommendations, but regardless of where they’re getting their info, they’re looking for a specific set of values in brands and companies.

These values are sustainable business practices, affordability, ethical business practice, overall shared principles, and inclusivity. And in contrast, the values selected against are any form of sexism, racism, homophobia, and scandals at large. Gen Z is likely to completely refuse to buy from companies who exhibit any of these negative values and will create public outcry against those same companies as well. These same values are also influencing their career motives, which will ultimately determine their spending power.

Gen Consumer Loyalty

Two factors that deserve a little more attention are definitely sustainability and inclusion. While 73% percent of Gen Z consumers will pay more for sustainable products, 54% even saying they’ll pay more than a 10% increase, only 25% consider the environmental impact of a business at large before purchasing. This means that sustainability in products and specific examples is worth more than sustainability at large.

On the other hand inclusion is definitely a more overarching and comprehensive desired value. While there are specific desires, such as 65% of Gen Z consumers wanting options to search for clothes without specifying their gender, most are more general. For example, 51% of Gen Z wants brands that support inclusivity initiatives and 87% believe there should be better gender equality within the fashion industry.

These are just two values that members of Gen Z consider before supporting or buying from a brand. Beyond values, the market of social media and advertising specifically to those on their phones is also getting much larger. There’s many ways for brands to alter themselves and appear more desirable to Gen Z, and the time to do so is now before the consumers of Gen Z become the dominant economic generation.

Top 4 Real-World Applications of Predictive Analytics

Making a family tree with kids is a great way to teach them about their ancestry while helping them learn more about themselves. It can be a fun project that the whole family can work on together. Here are some tips for getting started.

Benefits of Building a Family Tree with Kids

There are many benefits to creating a family tree, such as understanding your genealogy, developing problem-solving skills, strengthening relationships, and many others.

Build a stronger sense of self-identity

Building a family tree with kids can help them develop a stronger sense of self-identity as they learn more about where they came from and what makes them unique.

Knowing where you come from is important to understanding who you are. For kids, this process of self-discovery often begins with learning about their parents and grandparents. But it can be even more enlightening for them to explore the branches of their family tree, discovering the stories and traditions passed down through the generations.

So whether you’re looking to teach your kids about their heritage or just want to bond with them over some shared history, building a family tree is a great way to do it.

Learn more about history

It is important for kids to learn about history, but making the past feel relevant to their lives can be tough. One way to do this is by teaching them about their family history. By tracing their ancestors, kids can start to see how they fit into the larger story of humanity. They can also learn about the unique challenges and experiences their ancestors faced. Additionally, exploring family trees can help kids understand the similarities and differences between their own lives and those of their ancestors. As a result, learning about family history can make the past feel more real and relevant to kids.

Build strong family relationships

As any family historian knows, building a family tree can be a rewarding experience. Not only does it help you to learn more about your ancestors, but it also encourages you to bond with your relatives. For children, this can be a particularly valuable experience. It is all too easy for children to become estranged from their extended families in today’s world, especially when there are not old family photos of many relatives. By working together to build a family tree, children can develop a sense of connection with their cousins and other extended family members. This can help to foster communication and understanding within the family.

How to Make a Family Tree

Trying to trace your family history can be a daunting task. Putting it all in a family tree is a great way to organize the information you’ve gathered.

Gather information

The first step is to gather as much information as possible about your ancestors. This includes names, hometowns, careers, achievements, and known locations. You should also try to determine the birth and death dates for each ancestor. Once you have collected this information, you can construct your family tree. Start with the oldest generation of your family and work your way down to the present. Be sure to include any spouses or children for each ancestor. If you are having trouble filling in some of the details, don’t hesitate to reach out to other family members for help.

Put your tree on paper

At a time when almost everything is done electronically, there are still some who prefer the old-fashioned way of doing things. For them, there is nothing like the feeling of holding a pencil and paper in their hands as they try to piece together their family history. While it may take a bit longer, creating a family tree on paper can be very rewarding. It allows you to physically see your progress, but it also gives you a chance to add your personal touches. Whether you choose to use colored pencils or family photos, a paper family tree can be a beautiful and meaningful addition to your home. Even if you own a computer, there is something special about having a physical record of your family’s history. Keeping a family tree on paper is the only way to go for those who value tradition.

One option is to use a family tree printable template. There are many different templates available online, and you can choose one that best suits your needs. You can also find templates specifically designed for certain countries or regions. Once you’ve found a template you like, simply print it out and fill in the information by hand. You may also want to use a pencil to erase any mistakes.

Consider family tree software

With modern computer technology, anyone can search the deep web to find people and research their ancestors to build a family tree. There are dozens of family tree software programs available, and most come with a tutorial to help you get started. Keeping your records on your computer has some advantages over traditional paper records. It’s easier to fix mistakes, and you can sort your ancestors differently.

Plus, every genealogy software package lets you print off your information on various forms and charts. But regardless of how you store your data, it’s important to back up your records regularly. If your computer crashes or you accidentally delete a file, you won’t lose all your hard work. And if possible, use an automatic online backup service to ensure that your data is always safe.

Share your tree

Once your child has completed their family tree, encourage them to share it with relatives who might have additional information or stories to add. This is a great way for kids to get excited about their family history and learn more about the people who came before them. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to connect with relatives they might not otherwise have the chance to talk to. So encourage your child to share their family tree with relatives.

Final Thoughts

Building a family tree with your kids is a fun project, but it can also be educational. It helps children learn about their ancestors and teaches them the importance of preserving family history. By following these simple steps, you can help your child create a lasting legacy treasured for generations to come.

Check out FamilySearch for more ways to get your kids involved in family history.

About the author:  Marc McDermott is a genealogist who has been blogging about the topic since 2019. His blog, GenealogyExplained.com, is one of the most popular resources on the internet for people looking to learn more about their family history. Marc’s passion for genealogy is evident in his writing, and he takes great joy in helping others learn more about their ancestors.