With the holiday season quickly approaching this year, some families, specifically mothers and fathers, will be on the look for Christmas goodies to give to their children this year. Some might pick a Transformers toy for their little boy or some boots for their teenage daughter, but some will look to gift a pet. Let me tell you, this is a mistake.

Making the decision to have a family pet is not easy, and animals should not be purchased on a whim especially if the home is not fit for the animal. One must remember that they are not stuffed animals; they feel and breathe like you and me. Will you be willing to care for this animal or will you pin it all on your young child who has never cared for an animal before? Getting a pet is not only a commitment for the child who is unknowingly receiving the "gift", but a commitment for the whole family.

So before you bring an animal into the house, consider the whole household's thoughts and worries. Also consider if the animal will be comfortable within the house. Is it a right breed for the climate? Would you really be selfish enough to own a dog with thick fur like a husky and then proceed to leave it out in the heat all day in 100 degree weather? I would hope not, because you don't deserve the animal if you treat it in such a way.

Same goes for a child who is not meant to raise a pet, who has shown traits of selfishness, rebellion, or anger. For if the child is given the pet and is not mentally prepared for the animal, an innocent life is at risk. Perhaps smaller steps need to be taken, like helping dad feed the goldfish or helping mom clean up after another family member's pet. By practicing ahead of time, it's a slow start on the road of caring for another being and showing responsibility. Once the child has shown that they truly understand the positives and repercussions of having a pet, then they could be introduced to a family pet.

Still, don't place solid responsibility on that one child; it foreshadows that once you start caring for a being, they are all on their own in the world which doesn't present a very caring environment. If you feel like your child is ready to help care for an animal, present the animal in a way where it is not centered around a holiday; give the new pet a day of their own, make it a special occasion not linked with any other festivities. Doing this puts the animal at the focal point so the child does not get distracted by any other gifts.

So next time you run out of ideas of what to get your child, stick with a pair of socks. Don't run out last minute to pick up a kitten. Put some serious thought into it; you looking good on Christmas isn't all that matters in the world. You might be sacrificing the safety and happiness of another being.