Snakes and Spiders

chrissy63 · 11-12-2007, 08:24 AM

Just wondering how those of you with young children have educated them about snakes and spiders. They aren't my favourite creatures either but not too bothered about them just wondred if anyone has any good ideas that aren't going to frighten them to death.

Thanks

Chrissy

The Broughtons · 11-12-2007, 08:34 AM

The kids learn heaps at school - most schools cover minibeasts as a major topic and teach the children how to identify things and what they should do if they find something not so pleasant. Older children are also taught some of the first aid aspects.

I think the best thing to do is be honest - there are going to be some creatures that they have to be careful about but perhaps you could make it fun - try using the internet as a start and get the kids making their own a-z of creepy crawlies. They could print pictures and info and stick it in a scrap book, they can add any other stuff they might find interesting or useful. If we'd had children before we came and they were old enough, I'd have done something like that. Also ensure the children know that they aren't going to be attacked all the time - look at the likelihood as well - don't freak them out!

There are some great books on sale over here - I can't for the life of me remember names (I don't remember names too well) but I'm sure if you did a google search you'd find something!

Felicity

chrissy63 · 11-12-2007, 08:42 AM

Thanks for that have already started some of that stuff. 6 year old is ok about it so far.

chrissy

calNgary · 11-12-2007, 10:34 AM

They pick it up quicker than you think,mainly from school but also from friends,my 9 yr old normally tells me what things are and my 4 yr old just panics and runs because thats what she has seen me do! Dont be worried though ,you dont see half as many bugs as you would think,if it was really dangerous i wouldnt let my children walk around in bare feet,,hope this helps a bit
Cal x

Rachel&Stu · 11-12-2007, 12:47 PM

Hiya:)

Re: spiders, you can download a fantastic chart of which are harmless and which to beware of (thanks Cheryl!), which we have printed off and laminated. You may find it helpful in identifying which are which.

The website is Termite Protection and Pest Control Management Experts - NSW Sydney, Australia and click on the download free spider chart.

Hope it helps.

Rachel

chrissy63 · 01-01-2008, 06:09 PM

Thanks Rachel

found the spider chart its been helpful for ALL of us

asylon · 05-01-2008, 11:49 AM

I've given my 3 year old the facts as they are from day one. We have had the odd nightmare about redbacks and for about a week he was terrified of mozzies, then he had a fear of flies. He also had a thing about geese for a while. But now after 3 months he seems pretty chilled. He'll happily pick up dead rhino beatles and loves looking at snakes, I think this is down to spending lots of time in the reptile house at London zoo and telling him how lovely they are. We also go to our local zoo here and watch the snake show which is full of good advice on dealing with snakes and first aid. Watching the keepers handle the snakes safely and with no fear helps too, plus he's seen me touch and handle captive snakes plenty of times. He knows to avoid undergrowth where nasties might be lurking and to stay away from any snakes he sees in the wild. We've seen one wild snake, it caught and ate a frog right in front of us, and he loved it. I think you've got to be straight with them, and they do get over it really quickly. I can't teach him to love spiders though, hate the things too much myself, I hope he doesn't develop my phobia. I try not to let it show too much when he is around. I'm getting better since being here, I just have to deal with it, and them, anything with 8 legs is instantly squashed. I try to say "Wow what an intersting spider " as much as possible though.
We've had the house sprayed so I told him that any bugs that get into the house will die, he seems pretty reassured by that.
Not had any issues with crocodiles or stingers. He loves the crocs, says they are "scary and cute" and we just stay away from the beach in the stinger season.
He was scared of the roos at the zoo for a while too, they are a bit big and scary when you are that size, but with a bit of practice and continual exposure he's fine. Interestingly, although he was scared, he still nagged us to take him to feed them, even though he'd usually end up on my shoulders trying to climb onto the top of my head.
Good luck.

Sexy Welsh Aussie Bird · 05-01-2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrissy63

Just wondering how those of you with young children have educated them about snakes and spiders. They aren't my favourite creatures either but not too bothered about them just wondred if anyone has any good ideas that aren't going to frighten them to death.

Thanks

Chrissy

Hi Chrissy,
We are the exact opposie to some peoples advice, my 5yr old is terrified of spiders and thats good by me, she knows that she in not to go anywhere near them, When we bought our house last July the garden was just sand as it was a new build and we had lots of REDBACKS on our far fence, this was due to the bush being behind it! We got a guy in to spray our property and have not seen one since!! I know this might not be everyones attitude but I am all for 'DONT TOUCH ANYTHING' !!
It cost us $160 and will last 9-12 months, Callum is only 2 yrs old so I dont think he understands yet but his big sis keeps an eye on him when they are in the garden playing, Also cos we have planned the garden ourselves I have made it very minimalistic, not too many massive shrubs where they can lurk!!!
Hope this helps,

Sian xxx