Sam (ds - 7yrs old) just came inside and told me that he was playing down the street with some other kids and they saw an injured bird.

So they apparently threw a ball at it until it died. He came to tell me because he "felt bad".

I'm horrified. What the heck do I say to him? I sent him to his room. :eyes:

Wow. I haven't been there yet, DS is only 3. But I can totally picture boys that age doing something like that.

All I can think of is plenty of hugs. Sounds like he got carried along in something he really didn't want to do.

OMG that is SO sad!!!!! I would go talk to those kids and their parents. Then I would tell my son not to play with those kids until they understood what they did was wrong and gave the bird a proper burial. Oh, that is so so so sad :wah: :sadhug:

I am no expert, but I think I would definately NOT punish him. He did the right thing by coming to you and telling you he felt bad. You don't want him to resent that. I would take the opportunity to talk with him about why he did what he did and why he thinks he is sad about it now. Let him talk with you about it. He knows what he did is wrong, now you can talk with him about why it was wrong and what to do the next time something like that happens.

I think I would talk to the other parents also and just let them know what happened. I am sure they will be horrified also.

Hugs mama......this is not an easy one, but take comfort that your son felt he could talk with you about it, that is a good sign. :hug:

Maybe also time to get some good bird books and become bird watchers.

Maybe start lessons on different kinds of animals or something.

I'd DEFINITELY have him out learning about the bird that they killed.

Poor kid will remember this for the rest of his life. At least you know that he's got a conscience and knows how to feel compassion for those trodden upon and guilt for wrong actions.

:sadhug:

The fact that he "felt bad" IMO is a good thing. It shows that he has compassion and in his heart knows what he did was wrong. I'd give the other boys parents a heads up.

I also probably wouldn't punish him because he did come to you and tell you. If he felt bad, he probably won't be doing that again.

I am no expert, but I think I would definately NOT punish him. He did the right thing by coming to you and telling you he felt bad. You don't want him to resent that. I would take the opportunity to talk with him about why he did what he did and why he thinks he is sad about it now. Let him talk with you about it. He knows what he did is wrong, now you can talk with him about why it was wrong and what to do the next time something like that happens.

I think I would talk to the other parents also and just let them know what happened. I am sure they will be horrified also.

Hugs mama......this is not an easy one, but take comfort that your son felt he could talk with you about it, that is a good sign. :hug:


Perfect answer!

Aw, hugs for Mama and Sam. That is very sad, but I also think Iw ould not punish him since he came to you and is feeling guilty already. Maybe he could do something nice for the birds? Like make a bird feeder or something? :(

I like Lassies idea of doing something nice for the birds. Pinecones, peanut butter, birdseed and string - make some birdfeeders. You could (if comfortable) get the bird into a shoebox and give it a nice burial. It is a good thing he felt bad. It is a good thing he came and told you honestly what happened. I'd not punish, use it as Daisy suggested as a springboard for conversation about WHY it felt bad...why it was not a good thing to do and what he can do next time others are doing something he doesn't feel right about.

Good luck and hugs to you both