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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To have made dd age 6 responsibe for cat feeding in the morning?

29 replies

soandsosmummy · 27/11/2011 13:52

Just that really. A couple of my friends have said its too much responsiblity for a six year old and I shouldn't be putting that sort of pressure on her.

I don't think so. Shes more than capable of ripping open a couple of sachets and putting them in bowls, refilling the water bowl and topping up dry food if necessary. Its hard for her to forget too as the cats jump all over her miaowing until she does it (I do check its been done though just in case).

She's was only 6 lsat month if that has any bearing on it

OP posts:
DontCallMeFrothyDragon · 27/11/2011 13:57

I don't think YABU at all. If it was tins, different matter. As long as she can reach everything she needs without climbing up on anything.

that said, this is coming from me, who last week found DS (aged 3) attempting to make a ham sandwich Blush

Meglet · 27/11/2011 13:58

Yanbu. If the cats pester her and you're checking it's been done then what harm can it do Confused.

shesparkles · 27/11/2011 14:00

YABU-as long as there's a backup plan! I think it's actually a really good idea to give her that responsibility at that age

shesparkles · 27/11/2011 14:00

I meant YANBU!!!!!

Listzilla · 27/11/2011 14:00

I think your friends ABU! Cats won't let themselves be forgotten, and with you checking, what can go wrong? It has to be a good lesson in responsibility for her too.

maypole1 · 27/11/2011 14:04

trust me if she dose not do it they will follow her around crying until she dose like my cats

zukiecat · 27/11/2011 14:06

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

squeakytoy · 27/11/2011 14:12

Allow her to feed them yes, make it her "responsibility" where she would get told off for not doing it, no.

TidyDancer · 27/11/2011 14:14

I agree with squeaky.

BarkisIsWillin · 27/11/2011 15:07

Well you are both responsible really; she thinks she's responsible but since you are checking (and presumably will step in if she slips up) you are ultimately responsible. It can only be good for her.

MmeLindor. · 27/11/2011 15:13

Is she really responsible, as in the cats won't get fed?

Or she should do it but if she forgets, you will step in?

Ok for her to have a chore, but not if she will be scolded for forgetting.

NatashaBee · 27/11/2011 15:15

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Wafflenose · 27/11/2011 15:40

It sounds like a great idea! I don't have a cat, but I also have a 6.1 year old DD and think it would make her feel very grown up and important if I asked her to do a job like that.

notpodd · 27/11/2011 15:45

My DDs feed the cats, they are almost 8 and 5. They also unpack the dishwasher because I am a slave driver to learn responsibility, but its all done under supervision

HeraldAngelSinging · 27/11/2011 15:46

My two small grandsons have been responsible for feeding their family's cats since the age of four. A check up now and again and it's all fine, especially with the cats following them around so they cannot be ignored. Responsibility taught to children at any age gives them a grounding - a foundation - for the future.

That said, the feeding of your cats in your house by your children is no one else's business.

Original poster
soandsosmummy · 27/11/2011 17:55

Thank you. She does not get told off if she forgets, just gently reminded by first the cats and then me. I decided to give her the job because I think it is good for her to learn responsibility from an early age ad this is something easy she can do to help in the house

OP posts:
Pancakeflipper · 27/11/2011 17:58

No deffo not AIBU.

Well if you are then so am I. My 6 yr old is able to feed the cat and his goldfish. Reminders are essential but the cat will come and slap you in the face with his paw if you dare to forget.

trulyscrumptious43 · 27/11/2011 17:59

YANBU. Kids these days, pah, etc. You are bringing her up right!

motherinferior · 27/11/2011 18:00

It's hardly as if the cats will let her get away with it if she doesn't feed them, does she. Not if they're anything like our cats.

SecretNutellaFix · 27/11/2011 18:06

YANBU.

A few years ago, my friends DS who was about 6/7 at the time began asking if he could feed our cats their evening meal as a treat for him. I always said yes and he always knew that if he was in the least bit wild with them, he wouldn't get to do it. It meant that the cats bonded better with him, even though it was only a weekly thing.

confusedpixie · 27/11/2011 18:24

YANBU, your friends are odd imo. It's good for children to have 'responsibility' over something, it is a good lesson and should be taught young and as long as the cats/child/you don't suffer for the responsibility then where is the harm?

Tabliope · 27/11/2011 20:27

Sorry, I think it's unreasonable unless she nagged you for a cat and that is the cat you got her. Presumably though as you don't say this it was your decision to get a cat so therefore i think it's your responsibility. If you want her to learn responsibility give her something else to do.

jamaisjedors · 27/11/2011 20:30

YADNU.

And why can't she be reminded or nagged or even told off for forgetting?

We are in the process of setting up "chores" for our almost 5yr old and 7yr old DSs.

Actually the DC are quite excited about it, at school they have jobs to do and a picture of their job next to their name every morning.

We are thinking laying the table, clearing the table, and tidying up every evening.

slavedrivers

jamaisjedors · 27/11/2011 20:31

DS1 (just 7) is totally thrilled to be given the responsiblity of feeding the neighbours cat every time they go away!

GreyTS · 27/11/2011 20:32

No harm learning a bit of age appropriate responsibility at 6, DD1 who 2.6 loves to "help" me feed our cats so I can see that becoming her first little household chore at about 6. Good to learn that pets are dependent on our love and care. So no yanbu