New hobbyists...

[drew]

My twin sons, who are 17 months old, just noticed the two Northern Prairie Lizards (Sceloporus undulatus garmani) that live in the aquarium sitting here next to the computer. Usually the lizards are pretty sedentary -- sunning themselves, etc. -- and are well camouflaged in their habitat. But this morning, they were right down near the front glass pursuing bugs when the twins were standing there. It was neat to see the boys point and smile in amazement and interest.

By the way, they have noticed the newt previously. She comes out and gives them a show from time to time. Her aquarium is on a lower table...more at eye-level for the boys!

 

[meghan]

That is so awesome Drew! Personally, I think it's a good idea to show your kids early on all aspects of nature and to respect it. My 3 kids (all under 7) seem to be so much more aware of their surroundings than they used to. They now even help me collect worms and crickets. If they find a frog or other critter, they handle it more carefully and show more empathy. Seems these days, kids are more interested in video games, chatting online, watching videos etc than taking a nice walk in the woods or out in the yard.

 

[mark]

It's allways good to give a kid a good first impression of herps, they are our future.