Parents wonder how their kids will grow up. Will they be kind, smart, generous, or axe murderers? In my experience, the surest way to make sure your children develop compassion, empathy and generosity is to get them a cat. “Daddy, Daddy!” the kids chorused. “Mommy said we could get a kitty!” “I told them that if they did chores for 10 days straight,” she said, "each of them could get a kitty.” We were having difficulty getting the kids to do their chores. My wife had solved both our chores-problem and the kids’ desire to have a pet in one stroke. The kids had wanted another cat since loyal friend Nat King Cat had died. “Now you guys understand that YOU have to take care of your kitties,” said my wife. As the result of the “deal,” my kids became chores maniacs. The whole thing smacked of bribery, but the house and kids were cleaner and the kids were happier. The kittens would stay in the kids’ bedrooms for the first 10 days. After day eight of the chores marathon, we went to find kittens. [more . . . ]