3.5 ds has just put new kitten down the toilet!!!

[Jazzi]

Is this normal for a boy of this age, he seems to have a really cruel streak, how can I help him to understand that this is not acceptable???

totally normal if you ask me, and it's why we have decided to wait a while longer before we get our kitten!!!! I would love one now but our ds (just turned 4) would definitely be like your DS. I really don't think it's cruelty as such, they just don't yet have the ability to think about other's feelings yet.

I guess it'll just be a case of keeping on explaining to your ds how to touch the kitten as I'm sure you're already doing; gentle strokes on him so he can feel how to touch etc...and keep on ad infinitum......

awwwwww poor kitty

Did he flush??? Not cruel if he didn't

I think you have to keep a very sharp eye on him, don't leave him alone with the poor animal, demonstrate how to stroke the kitten, spend some positive time with both of them just enjoying the kitten playing or something and finally come down VERY hard on the slightest hint of aggression.

some friends of mine (sisters) actually killed a kitten when they were about this age - they were arguing over who was going to hold it
They are both quite sensible and kind adults now so I assume it was just a phase as I'm sure it is with your DS.....

No thankfully he didn't flush - he said he was trying to teach her how to use the toilet!!!! She got her own back though because she gave him a massive scratch on the arm!! It looks like WW2 in my house at the moment.

Our DS who's just coming 2. tries to Run's over our chickens all the time! He doesnt hurt them thankfully we just say everytime 'no you will hurt the chickens' and move him away.