Ugh parents...

[Carlene16]

I just told my mom how I want to go to this reptile expo about 2 hours away and she FLIPPED out telling me that I have stupid interests and that she'd be embarrassed to tell people that I went to something "as stupid as that". I'm just pretty upset that my parents don't care about my interest in snakes. Do any of you ever have problems with your parents and keeping reptiles?

[jacob985]

yea all of my family hates my reptiles. they wont bring me to shows. so since im a mountain biker i hop on my bike and go. the other day i rode 6 hours to go to a show.

[RR - Mackenzie]

I'm sorry

My mom (wait, scratch that, my whole family) doesn't support my interest in reptiles. When I told her I wanted to breed them, she just rolled her eyes.

People don't understand. Be proud :]

[j_h_smith]

Well, lets see. Since I'm as old if not older than your mom, no I don't have any issues with my mom and my hobbies.

Are you showing here that you are responsible and tkae care of your reptiles? Does she have to deal with the smell of snake poo and urates? Are you doing the other things she's asking you to to (chores)?

I'm not taking sides but many times a parent is just looking for you to be responsible. All around, not just in one aspect of your life. But in all areas.

I hope you can work these issues out. Herping can be addicting and becomes a lifetime habit. Not having, at the very least, a tolerent parent can be a BIG issue.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith

[Carlene16]

I'm just hoping that my parents will get used to the fact that I love snakes and everything about them. My family is very conservative and anything out of the ordinary is taboo! Now I just can't wait till I have my own place where I won't have to "bother" them with my interest in snakes. The whole snake thing is definitely addictive! I started out with a normal ball python not knowing that there was a whole world full of amazing morphs! Now I just wan't to collect them all! Hah, I guess I can't get down just because they don't share the same love of reptiles I do. Maybe someday they'll understand!

[rabernet]

I'm 44 and my parents don't understand my love for my ball pythons, and I think my mother is hoping that this is a "phase" but it coming to realize that it's not.

Last year when they were visiting me, my father helped me build a rack, while my mother quietly organized my pantry. She did let me bring eggs home with me when I was visiting my first year breeding and had a clutch due to hatch.

In the end, my folks love me and while they don't share the same fascination (don't even understand it), they support that it's something that I love and that I've made incredible friends because of this hobby.

[SlitherinSisters]

My mom has always been deathly afraid of snakes. I waited till I was old enough and had my own place, as most college campuses don't allow pets. Now that I have my own place I can do whatever I want, to some degree, my fiance has to put up with things about me, just as much as I put up with things about him

It might not happen for several years, but eventually your family should warm up to it enough that they understand it's a hobby of yours that's not going to go away. Just deal with it for now. You'll be out of the house in no time. I know it doesn't seem like it, but it will happen sooner than you think! I was SOOO happy to get out of the house, it has been five years already.

[tsdsbd]

yeah none of my family dislikes my passion or hobby there more or less indifferent. they have absolutely no idea why or how you can love a reptile since it doesnt love you back.

[Seru1]

Yeah don't parents suck? They provide for you and take care of you and spend a veritable fortune on you. Pfft, It's a load if you ask me.


Seriously though I know it sucks when your parents don't share your interests. Luckily my mom has supported me in whatever I've been interested in. She loves all my snakes and can't get enough of them. I am gonna start taking her to reptile cons.


Some people have fears maybe your parents are afraid of snakes. Give it time. Show them your responsible. They may never understand but there approval doesn't matter it's your love of the hobby and there love for you.

[chris4554]

Well my mom doesn't like snakes. She is sorta afraid of them I guess. She let's me do what I want for the most part but told me she doesn't ever want to see it lol

But she knows it is something I enjoy and knows I'm responsible with my animals so she lets me be