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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

...to expect this man to not bring his pet on the school run?

90 replies

MarvellousYou · 03/05/2013 16:38

So I turn up a few minutes early to pick DS up from preschool and the dad of a boy at DS' s preschool has a python round his neck as though it was as normal as bringing your yorkshire terrier. I can't stand snakes but not particularly phobic, it was obvious others were, including the children.

I'm surely outing myself writing this as there can't be many that have seen this on their school run but what would you have said, if anything? We all just ignored him, steered clear and ran. Would I be wrong to say something next time? It was all a bit surreal, maybe I'm a bit sheltered but I just stood there, pissed off that he wouldn't think how others might react to him and his ahem...snake?

OP posts:
everlong · 03/05/2013 16:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TooOldForGlitter · 03/05/2013 16:40

Can I stroke your big snake?

Sorry, not helpful.

quoteunquote · 03/05/2013 16:41

Wouldn't bother me, I expect lots of children really enjoyed seeing it, mine love seeing unusual animals.

Did you think anyone was in danger?

They aren't poisonous, so fairly safe.

TheSurgeonsMate · 03/05/2013 16:42

YABU I'm afraid. All part of life's rich tapestry.

ipswitch · 03/05/2013 16:42

How did you know it was a python?

Original poster
MarvellousYou · 03/05/2013 16:42

Everlong...er it doesn't need to attack someone to 'do' anything. Just being there is enough, some kids were asking to be picked up because they were scared.

OP posts:
msrisotto · 03/05/2013 16:43

You ran away? Why?

HairyGrotter · 03/05/2013 16:43

Haha brilliant!

Erm, I think the kids would love it!! I know DD would! So, for that, YABU.

msrisotto · 03/05/2013 16:44

On the one hand, it is polite to be considerate of others, that they might be scared of snakes. However dog owners don't extend the same courtesy so why is this any different?

Softlysoftly · 03/05/2013 16:44

Odd and a bit "look at me! " but I think the kids shouldn't be scared!

Original poster
MarvellousYou · 03/05/2013 16:44

I don't know it was definitely a python but I think it was, I can google it, does it matter? Ok maybe I was being a bit grumpy and was BU.

OP posts:
PeterParkerSays · 03/05/2013 16:45

I'd have walked over and asked if DS could see the snake and maybe stroke it. It's a chance for my DS, who will otherwise only be getting to see a snake in a zoo because hell will freeze before we have one at home, in the flesh.

If it's warm enough for him to do this, I don't see the problem.

GhoulWithADragonTattoo · 03/05/2013 16:45

I saw a snake on the school run yesterday. It was only a grass snake but still gave me a shock Shock

I tend to think pet snakes should not be brought on the school run as a lot of people / children are scared of them.

LilacBreastedRoller · 03/05/2013 16:46

I'm sure it's a lot less likely to cause trouble than some dogs. I'd have wanted a look at it, I imagine quite a few DC would have loved to have a stroke.

thebody · 03/05/2013 16:47

Most schools have a no pet rule in the playground barring guide dog.

If he was actually in the playground I am amazed the teacher on duty didn't ask him to leave.

TheFallenNinja · 03/05/2013 16:48

Dud he have a little snake poop scoop?

SantanaLopez · 03/05/2013 16:49

Did he have it on a leash? What if it tried to escape?

ipswitch · 03/05/2013 16:49

Perhaps you should have asked what sort of snake it was then, rather than jumping to the conclusion that it was a Python.

I think you were being a bit grumpy and unreasonable.

Original poster
MarvellousYou · 03/05/2013 16:49

As a side note I think he may have sent me into labour...I may kiss him next time I see him!

Its a small preschool, cramped pick up point and its a snake!? Surely if something brought a tarantula people would be bothered?

OP posts:
ClutchingPearls · 03/05/2013 16:51

I My children would love it.

He probably thought the DC would have enjoyed seeing it and the parents would engage with him. Plus on a warm day the snake could have a nice bask in the sun.

Its hardly going to chase you down the street is it.

HoHoHoNoYouDont · 03/05/2013 16:51

I would have crapped myself had I turned around and seen him next to me!

I imagine it would be exciting for the kids to see but he does sound a bit like an attention seeker.

I don't agree with keeping snakes or exotic pets so I'm going to say YANBU on this occasion Grin

bamboobutton · 03/05/2013 16:51

What's to be scared of? They're not poisonous and in the highly unlikely event of the snake leaping from his shoulders hissing and attempting to squeeze a child to death then the neck could easily be broken.

I would have wanted to touch it.

bubbles1231 · 03/05/2013 16:52

But didn't running away just spread the hysteria?

MrsDeVere · 03/05/2013 16:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ENormaSnob · 03/05/2013 16:52

Yanbu

What purpose does it serve to take a fucking snake on the school run.

Its not like it needed to stretch its legs.