1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

Pet rocks were once all the rage for a brief period of time in the mid 1970s. Here was an incredibly simple idea that probably seemed completely ridiculous to the average person that not only caught on with consumers, but made its creator a millionaire in a matter of months. The original pet rock was merely a plain grey stone that was packaged in a paper carton resembling a pet carrier. The silly thing even came with an instruction manual on how to care for and train it.

Silly or not the pet rock had its fans and still does today. Those die-hard devotees who actively continue too keep the pet rock concept alive have even created websites where they proudly show off their pets to the rest of the world. In fact, Pet Rock Net features photos and profiles of pet rocks and links to additional pet rock information as well as a pet rock of the month.

One key suggestion from the site is that since pet rocks are born blind and can't get around well you can take corrective measures to give these loyal stone companions a pair of eyes. Unlike its ancestral predecessor the modern pet rock is no longer a simple gray stone and can indeed be found to occur in a wide variety of "species."

Pet rocks are an ideal choice for young children who have the active imaginations to embrace the pet rock culture and lifestyle. Since pet rocks are fairly self sufficient this makes them very low maintenance and easy for little kids to care for. All they need to do is look out for the pet and make sure it never gets lost. Caring for a pet rock is a great way to teach responsibility to your child.

Kids will find making pet rocks fun and easy and will no doubt want to create a complete menagerie of them for their very own. The good news for parents is that unlike their furry four legged counterparts these pets will not require any amount of feeding, grooming or walking and there absolutely is no cleanup involved in caring for them! Best of all they can't breed and reproduce on their own so you won't ever find yourself sitting outside of the supermarket with a box of pet rocks in search of a good home.

To get started your child will need an interesting stone and a pair of wiggle eyes. For best results help your to child choose a stone that is at least three inches long and has a smooth surface. Attach the eyes and your child and the pet rock are ready to share many happy hours together.

Your child will want to create a habitat for the pet rock as well. A small box lined with shredded paper will suffice for the rock's "puppy" stage. As your child proves to be responsible and takes on the care of more pet rocks he or she can move the stones to a larger habitat such as a pet rock condo.

Learn more about this author, Chanell Gautreaux.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Kids crafts: How to make a pet rock?
We want to hear your view. Write now!