Parent says her kid isn't allowed to come over and that she would kill snake

[mamaofporter]

My son's friends mother who I once considered a friend, during a craft project in my sons classroom, decided to tell my son that her son isn't allowed to play at my house because I have snakes. She also added that if she sees the snake she'd snap its neck.
I tried to address the issue. She replies to me that my son said it escaped once and it bites and it tried to eat the cat.
I replied to her that these snakes don't eat cats and they've never bitten anyone. They are in locked enclosures and dont have to be taken out when friends are over. I said that my son was upset and wasnt sure if he wanted to be around her because of it.

Instead of dealing with me within an hour his teacher is calling me saying if I have an issue then to address it with her because it happened at school. Then the teacher lectures me on the wisdom of having snakes and that every child gets the same amount of time to do crafts. Apparently this mother said I was complaining about that too which I never even mentioned. The teacher goes on about this woman who gives her time and art materials freely and that she's been doing it for four years... but she didnt ask me once what my issue was... only chastised me for bringing up this issue and defended the Mother.
I said I was considering making an official complaint and said that mother needs to watch what comes out of her mouth because it upset my son. She said he didnt appear upset that day. I said that's because he internalizes it and it came out later.
Now I'm at a standstill not sure if I should let this go or run with it.. Any suggestions?

[MarkS]

file a complaint with the superintendant of the school, I'm not sure why the teacher decided to get involved in a private matter, but it sounds inappropriate to me.

BTW If anyone were to ever threaten to kill one of my snakes I'd just ask them how they'd feel if I threatened to kill one of their pets. A lot of people just don't think about what they're saying.

[calmolly1]

Wow!! I'd definitely go to school board with this! That is verbally threatening behavior or terroristic threats as called in law enforcement. So much for educating the younger generation about snakes!! I have a few friends who are terrified of them but they stay behind doors if they are over. They also encourage their children to not be afraid and allow them to pet them and watch them.


Molly & Steve
0.1 normal BP 'Precioucess'
0.1 BCI 'Luna'

[tttaylorrr]

take this as high as you can. you are being bullied and berated by ignorant people who question you as a person and a MOTHER. all over your love of snakes! they are the ignorant ones whose judgements need to be questioned, not yours. i personally wouldn't let this go until i get some resolve. good luck! (:

[Sammiebob]

Just let it go.


HAHAHA JUST KIDDING! This is just awful. I mean come on lady, it's a snake. I get that you personally may be afraid but what if this one snake sparks a passion and a dream only to be crushed by your witch of a mother just because she doesn't like snakes? You should absolutely take this to the board. The whole argument did not happen in the school, so that teacher does not have a right to involve themselves in said argument. Please update us as everything goes along

[Rob]

She also added that if she sees the snake she'd snap its neck

This is the kind of thing I can not stand, I also hear it alot. Try telling them if you see their dog you'll snap its neck and see what kind of response you get.
Both dumb comments should get the same response.

[blue roses]

I would complain to the school principal, because the teacher had no right to enter a private disagreement, unless the 2 boys were upsetting the whole class over this. Also if this woman has a problem, and is a class mother she has no right to go to your son. If she was a person using common sense she would have called you privatly and voiced her concerns, and never said a word to either boy. She has the right to have her fears addressed, and then make a decision, but bringing in the boys first and getting the school involved is just wrong. You can tell the principal that they will be hearing from your lawyer if your child is continuing to be upset by either this teacher or this class mother, and any complaints issued by either of these women should be addressed to you through the principal, or the school will be looking at a law suit. Reptile are legal to keep as pets and are loved and cared for no less then the family dog.

[bcr229]

It's rather difficult to be a volunteer at a public school when there's a restraining order out against you because you threatened to kill a child's beloved pet.

Just saying...

[mamaofporter]

I don't know if a restraining order would be an option in Canada for an idle threat?

[speedycat222]

"Peace bonds and restraining orders are not a substitute for a charge. They are intended to prevent assault and harassment" You can get a peace bondif you are afraid that another person will harm you, your partner (spouse or your common-law), your child, or damage your property.

It comes down to if you view this as harassment towards you or your child. I say yes, even if you lose the case you it'll take a while to go through the courts, they'll be issued a promise to appear and it will be inconvenient at the very least.

You're looking for a peace bond in Canada, by the way.

Peace bonds are completely free, even if you lose the case you're dragging them through hoops.


Edit : Also, if they do not appear to the court date, a warrant will be issued for their arrest. If they think it's all a big joke there's a decent chance they won't show up and will be charged with failure to appear.