I have 3 DC, youngest is 10. We got a dog over lockdown. Had been planning it for ages and the kids were all prepared by us in terms of what it would mean.
We’ve had the dog since June. Got him from RSPCA rescue centre. He’s pretty good bit has a few challenging issues that we are working on. Older kids fine with dog. Youngest not so much. I think the reality of getting a dog is very different to what he imagined. Anyway his interest in the dog waned a bit since he arrived but that’s fine, me and DH are happy to do the work. However, a couple of things have happened that have been worried.
DS has been mean to the dog on at least 3 occasions I know of. Dog is a bit nervous and son deliberately kicked cushions off sofa next to her giving her a fright, said it was accidental. Gave him benefit of doubt but older DS says he has done it since. Last week we had a major issue because he spooked the dog so much he urinated in the floor. Never got to the bottom of this. I think he dropped him but who knows.
We had a very long talk and he seemed contrite. Couldn’t really articulate why he did it though. Then tonight I catch him sat next to the dog and deliberately pinged the catch on his crate...this is something the dog hates.
I am so upset and angry. Told him so. He can’t say why he did it. Says dog annoys him but he can’t explain more than that. Told him how sad and disappointed I am and that I cannot trust him. We will of course be making sure the dog is fine but the big worry in this is WTAF is going on with DS? Am I raising a psychopath?
We’re a happy, stable family. He’s not being bullied. I asked about this. He is quiet and a bit withdrawn sometimes and finds school a struggle. However, he seems fairly ‘normal’....if there is such a thing.
What can I do? How much should I be worried? (Have namedchanged)
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Behaviour/development
Son is mean to our family pet
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Frenchdressing · 04/10/2020 22:06
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