To think parents should take responsibility if children chase sheep on country walk?

[Firethorn]

Recently went for a country walk (public right of way across farmland) with SIL, my 2 nieces, and another couple and their 3 kids. Crossing a sheep-field, the 5 kids started chasing sheep, trying to 'round them up' in a flock like they'd seen sheepdogs do on TV. I asked SIL if we should stop them, she said no they always do this it's not doing any harm. Other couple agreed and said the kids are having fun, let them play with the sheep. I was a bit concerned as one child was carrying a stick and waving it around, but respected the parents' decision.
Shortly afterwards an irate farmer marched towards us shouting and swearing! She was really aggressive and had a snarling dog (off the lead), dog was circling us but not approaching. For about 5 minutes mins she yelled and swore at the kids for chasing her sheep. All 3 parents then turned on their kids and told them off, lying that they'd been telling them to stop but they'd disobeyed! (They hadn't told them to stop at any point). My niece burst into tears and hid behind me and I lost my temper with farmer for swearing at kids, told her to back off and stop shouting, and to get dog under control. The dad of one of other kids then threatened to kick the dog if it came near his kids, and after some more shouting we decided to go back way we'd come. She shouted abuse after us until we were out of sight!

I'm annoyed with other parents for letting their kids chase sheep then lying about trying to stop them! Also with farmer for being so intimidating and rude. SIL says we should just have apologised and carried on walking. AIBU?

It's not rude to put people's names in bold Christy. It highlights the fact you are "talking" to them, hence making it easier for them to see!

I want to make up some agricultural analogies.

"Ooooh, by 'eck, she was as rash as bacon "....for example.

Any others?

I think OP gets it now, no need to be so horrible people

Don't count your chickens before they hatch.

Don't agree, christy - it's normal to put someone's name in bold if you're addressing them in particular. It's obviously done to draw that poster's attention to it. It's done whether the post has been recieved negatively or positively.

I personally think its meant in a rude way unless its to highlight something positive on a thread it should not be done. Everyone has their own point of view and I wouldn't dream of doing this. It starts arguments. If I have a grievance I would put it out in a general manner to be more kind.

Well to be fair christy seems only to have joined today so might not know about the name bolding thing.

I sit here wondering why Thick as mince even though it sounds cool.
But why is mince thick?

I need to know. So, agitated here....Where are you ThankFuckSpringIsHere I have to google the history of said term.

What is "done" doesnt make it right though does it.

whether I have joined today or 10 years ago, why should that matter?

OP, why do you feel the farmer should adjust her behaviour to enable your SIL to behave like a decent person? Why not write a letter to your SIL telling her HER reaction is wrong and counter productive?

christycreme it's most certainly not meant in a rude way. As better says it draws a particular posters attention to a reply which is responding to their post.

I find this interesting: "To most non-farming people, a field of sheep is just a field of sheep." I would ask ... so what exactly is "just a field of sheep?" smile There seems to be a very telling perspective here that somehow gets to the heart of the problem between the rural and urban world -- as though the sheep are some sort of passive illustration on the landscape and not actual living creatures that will react to external stimulus

Really liked this point^

• Salmotrutta Sat 28-Mar-15 18:27:47

Naughty

I saw a massive sign on a big local arable farm saying "Farmers Own Seed"
Makes me snort every time I passed the field even though said sign only appeared for a short while 10 years ago and is long gone
Tee hee....snicker....

In an ideal world thankfuck that would be the case. Time and time again though that isnt.

It would serve everyone well on sites to bold the positive and generally speak about the negative. Its the kind thing to do.

I didn't say it mattered. I simply pointed out that you might not be aware that name bolding isn't negative.

Thick as Mince

I'm in Scotland.

I have just also pointed out how it is used and generally that seems to be in a negative manner.

I don't think anyone else thinks it is wrong, cristy. I think you just didn't like the replies on this occasion. That doesn't make the practice "rude" or wrong.

I've shouted at people in our fields before when they've let their children or dogs harass our livestock, especially the pregnant ewes who are extremely susceptible to miscarriage if traumatised. I most certainly did not think of myself as unreasonable for doing so.

What is "done" doesnt make it right though does it.

It makes it convention which has been around for years. Nothing to do with kindness or unkindness. It's just the way things are.

I hear the mating call of a sockpuppet...

Well christy I disagree and it seems others do too. If it were negative it would be mentioned in the guidelines and tips on site use.

i think that we all know when we use it and im just saying to use it far more wisely.

How the fuck does putting someone's name in bold start arguments?