Relatives

[Amiga]

This sounds too familiar to me. You are not being overprotective. You simply understand the situation better than others. I have been told the same thing, and I am in my fifties!! It is as if people expect harm to come to small animals or something, and then act as if there was nothing that could be done to prevent it. It makes no sense to me.

You may be able to think of something that matters to your mom, or another relative, that may seem inconsequential but that they defend fiercely. It could be an heirloom or a gift they received from someone special. But it means something to them. If you can relate that, just as they would be devastated if anything happened to that special something, you feel strongly about your ducklings (which, by the way are living things as well and not just a piece of glass), and take your responsibility seriously, it may sink in. Or it may not.

But you are right to care, and right to be concerned. I raised eleven runner ducks since they were a day old. I have found that some don't understand that they don't have to be lost to carelessness, but that it takes some time and attention. It is as if they expect something will happen, so why try to protect them?

Try to be as calm as possible, while remembering that you are right to take care of the ducklings that depend on you for everything.

 

[chickboss]

I am so sorry you have to deal with boundry-less children. Don't get me wrong, I make PLENTY of mistakes with my own, but come on, I don't care if it is a duckling or an elephant, that is a living creature that deserves to be treated as any living creature should be. You should feel no shame, embarasment, or what ever it is you feel that makes you feel powerless with these "guests" when it comes to what is and isn't appropriate behavior around small animals. Wait a minute, I think I skimmed too fast. Are you still living with Mom? That's rough. But either way, why would anyone support the ill treatment of another creature? Wonder why people end up apathetic? Sorry for the rant, your situation just hit a sore spot with me. My daughters are seven and five. My seven year old almost never needs correcting around any animal, and my five year old has major consequences for any mistreatment , usually done out of a desire to play and not thinking, of any animal on our farm. And those incidents are few and far between with her. Those kids are old enough to not only understand but also to not need constant reminders of what is and isn't okay, and any adult, especially their Mother and yours, should feel at least a smiggin of responsibility for the fact that these kids are learning major life lessons by how they are allowed to interact with these little critters. Okay, I'll stop, sorry....

 

[Miss Ducky]

Quote:
I like how you put that, thanks! And chickboss-don't worry about it, after all, I had my rant too!

I was pretty ticked for a while, but I've calmed down now. The trick is to hide in my room and snuggle with my babies

. I want to clarify something-the kids are not really at fault here. I wasn't given a chance to explain to them the rules. The children are actually quite good with the ducklings. I've let them hold them, so they thought it was ok to hold them in the water. But lets face it-the duckling are afraid of them, esp. if they come crashing at them in the normally calm pond. So, my ducklings went into deeper water, BEFORE I came out, yada yada yada. I don't think it was really anyone's fault. I'm blaming my mother a little bit, as she had known some of the rules I was going to set, but didn't enforce them nor back me up when I asked the dogs be taken inside. But I'll probably forgive before she gets home from work. I love her very much, and we have a wonderful relationship. Normally stuff like this doesn't happen. I don't think it was as bad as I made it out to be. Sorry, I was angry and not very clear. It's just such a big change for me, as the house is normally empty except for me, and now their are (LOUD) kids in just about every corner! It's a little bit difficult for me to adapt, but it's not too bad. I'm so sorry I wasn't clear. I was just so angry for a while! I had to rant to someone, and I knew you guys would understand.


***I'm just starting high school, so yes, I am still living with my mom and dad.

 

[chickboss]

My apologies to any and all blameless children...

I get it now...

 

[Miss Ducky]

No prob-my fault for not clarifying. Everyone's posts made me feel so much better! Thank you!!!