We grew up with dogs. I can understand anyone's concern about handling a small animal but I feel children should be taught to handle and respect any size pet. They also need to be taught that sometimes a pet needs rest and space. A family pet will not feel like being held all the time. I think a young child should be watched while handling a pet but it is the same with their holding a younger brother or sister. You wouldn't leave a 2 or 3 year child alone with an infant. We can't watch children every minute but I think some adults should do better watching and training their children. I taught my children that our pets had feelings and to handle them with care. I also taught them just like they have moods, our pets have moods too. Having a family pet can be a great learning experience. It taught my teenage daughter about caring for a puppy and she realizes that caring for a human baby would be even harder (glad she knows this
).