Kids running at birds/ducks

[Mama1993]

Took my 3 y/o DS to the zoo today with his cousin. They were VERY excitable - running around laughing and jumping etc.

We sat down for our picnic on the grass. Lots of birds around. Now I know that children shouldnt run after birds as it distresses them but a lot of them do and don't seem to understand it's not a game.

My son was running around playing and he either ran towards a duck to run after it or was running and didn't see it (I didn't see fully) anyway he tripped on the duck which I saw and shouted 'CAREFUL!' albeit in a different language so other people wouldn't have understood.

Now this elderly woman who was sat on a bench with her husband started screaming at my DS 'HOW DARE YOU!' repeatedly. I was so shocked that I can't actually remember what else she said but she as angry!

I told her it wasnt on purpose but she was adamant that it was. I told her I knew my son and that he wouldn't deliberately kick a duck, to which she sarcastically replies 'do you???' over and over.

I don't like confrontation but AIBU to think this woman was well out of order shouting at a 3 year old?

I took my son aside afterwards and told him again how it's not nice to run at birds as it scares them. He was really upset by the whole thing (as I'm sure the duck was too! But it was 100% an accident)

The kid shouldn't have ran at the duck & the passer by shouldn't have had to say anything, the kids parent should have reeled it in & taken control, before anyone else had the chance to step in & interfere.
It's not ok for kids to charge at birds.

You're both in the wrong.

DifferentHair

You're both in the wrong.“

Actually, yes.

You had your hands full. It’s bloody hard with young kids. You didn’t have your full attention on your child which is understandable and the strangers reaction has you feeling defensive. They weren’t wrong. Just shrug it off. Life is hard enough as it is.

I don't see the problem if he didn't mean to kick the duck. Accidents happen. Kids chase birds all the time.

@SmidgenofaPigeon

Was the duck ok? You didn’t actually say anything about the poor duck, which suggests you’re not that bothered if he hurt it or not, accidentally or otherwise.

^this

I told a young child (probably 5 years old) in no uncertain terms for trying to stand on an Eastern Water dragon's tail in our local park. I didn't yell but I was VERY stern.

Parent was nowhere to be seen and he was definitely trying to hurt the creature.

The older lady may well have just done the same.

Screaming "how dare you?!" at a stranger's young child because he tripped over a duck? Massive overreaction. She should have spoken to him less aggressively, if she had to stick her beak (bill?) in...

Well, she probably made an impression, and maybe he'll be more careful from now on. On the downside, he may be emotionally scarred for life and have a phobia of ducks.

No because I was keeping an eye on him apart from when he was behind the pram.

Some posters are assuming I'm having a right old jolly sloshing down G+T's whilst my son runs riot

I frigen wish!