An email just came from someone and I feel the need to share parts of it with you. If this describes any of your kids, please take action immediately. Don’t ignore the obvious.
…and I walked in as he kicked our dog. Petey yelped and ran under the table.When I asked why he kicked the dog he said he growled at him. He said he wanted to teach him a lesson. Petey must of growled or he wouldn’t kick him but I don’t get it because I never heard our dog growl at anyone…so because of that we are taking the dog to the animal shelter just in case…a cat might be a safer pet for our son…
This is so frightening because the parent doesn’t have a clue about what is going on with the child.
There is NEVER a reason or an excuse for hurting an animal. In addition, studies show that children who abuse animals often turn to bullying other kids and become abusers as adults. Prisons are filled with abusers who began by abusing animals.
Please do not ignore the obvious.
Photo: Jeffreyw
The parent needs to wonder why her son is hurting so much. Or is it that he likes making stuff up? We don’t like to think that our kids are capable of being unkind.
Our younger daughter just had an in school suspension because she got impatient with the kid in front of her in the lunch line. She jabbed him in the back with her tray, and she also stuck her meal ticket in his eye. Seems like she is good a lot of the time, but then she goes through phases of this type of aggressive behavior. This was not a roughhousing moment. This was a just plain mean moment. And, as you know, she loves dogs and cats and would never intentionally harm one. At least she has acknowledged that this is bullying behavior. Now I don’t want her feel bad about herself, but I don’t want her to ever think this kind of behavior is OK. It is never OK. And, given my experiences growing up, this pains me all the more. We are working hard with her to ensure that she grows up to be a loving, generous and compassionate person. The potential is there. Just that the teaching needs to continue.
Yes Debbie, we sure know how much she loves animals and has a sweet heart. All little kids can be mean sometimes and need to be taught what is acceptable and what isn’t. Because you shared her age a while back, I think she is so still on the learning curve now. Plus, she has had a lot on her little shoulders because of her sister’s illness. It isn’t an easy road for any of you but you are the perfect one to teach her because you have been on the other end of bullying. You are a sensitive and insightful mother. Don’t beat yourself up…just keep teaching…like all parents need to do…even when our kids are out of the nest!
PS The one thing I didn’t share and should have from the email is that the boy who kicked the dog was in 9th grade…
She just turned ten, but she is a “young” ten.
Clarification: CP is not an illness. Older one is healthy. Fortunate for that. But, yes, it is a lot for younger one to cope with. And she is still not good at expressing herself. I am glad that she loves drawing so much. I am trying to figure out what is the best way to address this and what best outlets for her to have. Finally I have a school social worker giving me resources.
It has been hard for me to ask for help, and so I am sure that she models that as well. In the end I think she will be OK.
All the more reason why we need a village. No one can effectively raise kids alone. Some manage. I don’t know how.
Thanks, o great dog, for addressing these issues. Too many of us end up feeling alone.
You are never alone with us here. My apologies for calling CP an illness. I have never been the most politically correct being. If there is a more appropriate word, what is it? Also I want to introduce you to a friend of mine on Twitter. Her name is Glenda Watson Hyatt. She wrote a book called I’ll Do It Myself. She is on Twitter @GlendaWH
RT @RugbyJones: Get Out of The Fog-He Kicked Your Dog! http://bit.ly/ggQfSK
I’m so glad you posted this. When children are cruel to animals, especially boys, sometimes people feel compelled to say, “Oh, boys will be boys.” Cruelty to animals is not a case of boys being boys. It is an anti-social behavior that could be a red flag for significantly more destructive behavior, in addition to the fact that cruelty to animals is just plain wrong. Parents need to take these instances very seriously and objectively evaluate whether they have a real problem on their hands that needs help. As for trading the dog in for a cat? Abuse is abuse. It’s not going to make a difference. I hope the dog found a new, better home, but I’m sad that a cat will now suffer.
Kyla, I so agree with you. That is the first thing I thought about when I read the email…poor dog and now poor cat. I just pray that there is a kind home waiting for Petey. I just rescued a dog. She has been with me almost 6 months and still if there is a loud nose, I see panic in her eyes. These animals must be protected by everyone. Thank you for your comment.
Get Out of The Fog-He Kicked Your Dog! by @RugbyJones http://www.rugbyjones.com/2011/02/get-out-of-the-fog-he-kicked-your-dog/