My mother's ignorance bothers me

[DooLittle]

This isn't about snakes. It's about control. Sooner or later, almost everyone has to confront overbearing family members.

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This, ^^^ there comes a time when you have to stand your ground with overbearing family members. Been, there, done that, got the tshirt. My grandparents weren't very happy with me. I was 20 and living on my own and put my foot down. Everything didn't have to be to please them, it was now what I wanted. It may be awkward for awhile, but you will find yourself probably happier, if you tell her these are things you like, a hobby you enjoy very much. And while she is entitled to an opinion, she can keep it to herself when she is in your home or around you, as you have heard enough of it. Good luck.

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[wolfy-hound]

She is not "ignorant" she is "willfully ignorant" because you've tried to educate her and she refuses to look into facts about reptiles.

You can fix ignorance with education. You can never fix willful ignorance. The person chooses to ignore facts and stick to their opinion. You can't fix that.

If she is in YOUR house, I would tell her that if she attempts to disparage your hobby, she will be told to leave immediately. If you continue to allow her to make insulting or disparaging remarks, then it's your choice to have that occurring in your home.

When you live in someone's house, you abide by their rules, whether you agree with them or not. I've stated it many times when someone whines that their parents won't let them own a snake. It's the same thing NOW with you and your home. If your mother wishes to rant against snakes, she can do so to her heart's content... elsewhere.

[Navy]

Thanks for your advice, guys.
I'd hate to kick out my own mother, but you guys are right. When she gets home from work I'll tell her she either has to keep her opinions about my animals/hobby to herself or she can leave.

[wolfy-hound]

Don't think of it as "kicking her out". It will be totally her decision on whether she wants to spout off her unwanted opinion or stay in your home.

[jbean7916]

Don't think of it as "kicking her out". It will be totally her decision on whether she wants to spout off her unwanted opinion or stay in your home.

Exactly! Give her the choice, then you aren't making her leave.

I'm lucky, my whole family is supportive of my hobby. I can only imagine how much of a struggle this must be for you.

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[OmNomNom]

Holy crap.

This isn't about not supporting your hobby, this is about not supporting YOU. She can dislike snakes all she wants, for whatever ridiculous reasons she wants to come up with, but putting you and your friends and your hobby down goes beyond the dislike of snakes.

For example, a supportive parent may not like the profession you chose, or may not like your boyfriend, but they'll still be happy for you if you're happy. They'll still help you out or keep an eye out for things that might interest you and/or listen to you blather on about it because it's important to YOU, and YOU are important to THEM.

This "mother" needs to get her priorities straight. :\

[MMReptiles]

Kick her out and ignore her for awhile, maybe being homeless will set her straight.

[JaGv]

kicking your own mother out wouldn't be such a good choice in my opinion. just have a serious talk with her about how she has to respect your rules in your home like you did in her home. maybe even let her know how ignorant she is acting about the hobby and to do some research before she starts talking.