I am thinking of getting a pet for the family. I have 3 kids and weekends will need to go out for more than half a day. What do you think is a suitable pet to have?

My first pet were fish and having them taught me a great deal of responsibility, we had to feed them and wash the tank ourselves. If any died, we had to scoop them out ourselves and "bury" them. Our parents wanted us to learn to be responsible for another life so we value our own lives better. I remember wishing for a cat when I was younger but I'm glad I didn't have one till recently, when I am grown up and working with the means to care for it properly. Bigger animals like cats, dogs and rabbits are fun to have but the commitment is heavy. Like kids, they fall sick, need alot of attention and can cost alot! They are better options for when kids are older, I feel.