The Joys of a Family Pet

It's about fun and humor, but kids also learn compassion and responsibility

Pets bring an element of fun—but also of responsibility—into kids' lives. Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstok

I recently spoke to the receptionist at a veterinarian’s office who shared with me a silver lining to the events of the past year: animal shelters were virtually empty, she said. It seems my family wasn’t the only one who saw 2020 as the year to welcome a new pet home.

Of course, a new pet is a delight under any circumstance, but especially given the challenges brought about by a global pandemic, an adorable, furry, feathery, or scaly companion can make enduring challenges a good bit easier.