Scolding Bug Killing Child

[Suzy8920]

So I was at the park with my youngest and we were walking along the path when we came across a snail. My daughter, who'll be 4 in a few weeks, saw it and deliberately stomped on the snail.

I found myself scolding the child for squashing it telling her not to do that but then I started thinking that I deliberately squash bugs myself quite often - usually spiders and moths in my home though, not outside.

I think I reprimanded her more so for how she brutally stomped on it outside but now I'm not sure if I'm being a hypocrite sending mixed signals cause I've squished a lot of spiders to death in front of her.

Was I unreasonable or would you have a similar reaction to your child deliberately squishing a bug like this?

Neither of you should be squashing things

You shouldn’t be killing spiders! I just leave them be as they are usually invisible in the home most of the year. If you are scared of them then put a cup over them and a piece of cardboard and take them outside.
No adult or child should be killing harmless creatures.