Who in their right mind thinks that 3 kids under the age of 5 will actually take care of a puppy?

Mary Poppins: So you caved: you got your kids the dog they have been begging for all year. The one that they said they would clean up after, feed, walk, and spend every waking moment with. You rationalized that it was summer and they would all be around to give this puppy tons of love and attention. You also explained to me that it was the kids' responsibility to care for Clifford, and that I needed to make sure they did all of their duties pertaining to this animal.

Now don't get me wrong, your puppy is cute. Its floppy ears and excited energy are easy to get carried away with, but I DON'T DO PETS! They are messy, they smell, and this one is not trained.

It's not that I am trying to deny your kids this special bond with an animal that will last a lifetime. I know the whole spiel about a dog being a friend for life, and who doesn't love to sit down and watch "101 Dalmatians" and "Air Bud," but I'm too busy. We are now into toilet training and getting your oldest ready for kindergarten. I can't pick up dog crap all around your house. This is like a fourth child, and I'm just not equipped to handle it.

And just for the record, who in their right mind thinks that 3 kids under the age of 5 will be watching this dog? I mean, do you really want me to be standing over them, making them wipe up dog poop and pee and reminding them 10 million times about feeding and walking the dog? Do you want them to develop antagonistic feelings towards this pup? I'm giving this two weeks to run its course and then we are going to have to reassess the puppy situation, especially since it is currently chewing on my favorite sandal.

Mary Poppins is a nanny/babysitter who is not afraid to tell parents what is really going on with their kids. With over eight years of experience, Mary Poppins offers fresh commentary on issues that many families are facing today. You may not like what she says, but you recognize the truth in it.