Plants vs. Pets
If your a parent, I’m sure you’ve gone through this. Your child wants a pet, but you have your doubts. You might be hoping it will teach them responsibility but are worried they will forget to feed it. Or maybe you really want to get them a pet, but they are too young or you don’t have the time or money just yet to put into a furry little creature. This is actually one of the many reasons pets end up abandoned. It ends up being more work and money than you or your child originally thought. My suggestion? Why not a potted plant? It is much cheaper than a dog or cat, and still serves the purpose of teaching them responsibility. You don’t have to worry about a house plant biting or scratching young children, and if they forget to feed it, well, a dead plant isn’t so bad.
Have some fun with it! Make it seem like you are going to get a pet. Wake up in the morning and say, “Today’s the day! We are going to go get our plant!” This obviously won’t excite older children, but those who are still young enough to be entertained by mom and dad getting excited will look forward to this. Take them to either a garden center, or 
the garden section of a department store. Have them look at all the potted plants, or if you want to get real adventurous, buy an empty pot, some potting soil, and a packet of seeds. They also have kits for growing your own potted plants. Let them pick which one they want, just read the info on each plant, and make sure it is going to be suitable. If you decide on the seed route, make sure the seeds can be grown inside. It should say something like “start indoors” some where on the packet. Also, you might want to be prepared to have to plant it outside at some point depending on what type of plant it is. Obviously growing your own seeds takes a little more effort and patience, but your child might enjoy watching their plant grow rather than one that has already sprouted.
Once they have picked out their plant, you go so far as to give it a name, like you would a pet. I name all my house plants, and I don’t even have children! Most potted plants only need water, sunshine, and maybe the occasional plant food. If you want to give them a bit more of a challenge, you could be sneaky and buy more than one plant. Maybe one pre-grown potted plant, one they plant themselves, and one cactus. The pre-grown plant will only need to be watered as needed. The do-it your self house plant will usually need to stay moist until it has sprouted well, and the cactus will only need a little water every few months. They will have to remember which plant needs what, but since all that is involved is water and a few house plants, it’s no big loss if they forget. And it involves a lot less money and stress than owning a pet!
Image sources: www.americanmeadows.com, http://pinkrabbitsays.typepad.com/, www.wikipedia.com
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