Every kid needs a pet

I've always heard that every kid needs a pet, but we aren't really pet people. We had a rabbit before we had kids, but gave it away after a few months. However, we did potty train it. We then tried some fish after Tyler (age 2) received them for a Christmas present from my Dad. They didn't live more than 6 months. We waited another 2 years then gave a dog a try. Poor puppy...we got him from the pound and returned him to the pound 4 months later. We just are not pet people! But the boys have now saved up many hard earned dollars to buy these gold fish and the tank to go with them. We started with ten fish 11 days ago and are now down to seven. I'm not sure what we are doing wrong, but we are hoping to figure it out really soon. These poor fish are dying off too fast.
Anyway, here are photos of some proud fish owners.

Genevieve looks a little bugged by these creepy little swimmers. She really loves watching them though. She pulls the chair up to the counter at least 10 times a day.

Any advice on how to keep fish alive?