children are way way way more expensive than a hamster or budgie, both of our budgies were given to us by the family of an elderly woman who was going into a nursing home. I don't believe in people having kids if they can't afford for them, I mean one is one thing, but around here there are ppl on welfare that have like 3 + kids in ratty shoes and clothes, really makes me mad!!!! Juneau costs considerably less than a human kid would, and at this time I choose to have no children because a. I'm not married and b. Can't afford one.
I *DO* agree with you that smaller children should always be supervised with pets, absolutely! but I believe the best way to teach a child respect and kindness towards animals is to have one and to be VERY strict about how they treat the animal. I used to babysit my friend's sons, and I would not allow them to even kill ants or flies or any insect. When my friend got cats those boys were *so* gentle with them it was a beautiful thing. It warmed my heart to see Jayeson curled up on the couch with one of the cats purring away.aaaawwwwwww still brings a tear to my eye .