One of the prerequisites is to take care and nurture another life being that parenting is one of the most important things a person can do in his or her lifetime. Some people go straight into parenthood while others start with pets big and small. Others who need a little more of a training wheel go with plants. The pros of which is lower maintenance, great decor, and better air in your living space and cons of which are... none that I can think if, they're perfect.
I have decided to go with plants, obviously. But since I've killed a bunch of plants including a cactus, bamboo, and any and all forms of flowers, I've decided to start with fake plants. It has all the same benefits except maybe the air... and having to learn responsibility.
I needed training wheels for my training wheels.