What are good first pets for kids?

We had parrots at home and though my kids develop a connection with him, and he too, since, he could speak and imitate us, but I still think that caging a bird is not a good experience one should expose one's kids to. Sadly, and thankfully (at the same time) the bird flew one day, and now, we have a dog. And I think, he is just not a pet but a family member who teaches my kids a lot. My kids have learnt to be caring and loving from him. I think having dog as a pet is the best thing one can do for their kids.