Teachig Snake Saftey! how and what do you teach??

[~Kim~]

We teach DD not to pick up rocks, not to go into long grass and not to dig in garden beds (don't forget about the spiders).
She also knows not to go near, just walk away quietly. But she's 4, not sure how I would have approached it with a littly.
We generally don't let the kids out without shoes either.

[Miss E]

This is a really interesting thread... I lived in the country in north east victoria for the first five years of my life and to be honest as an adult I am now petrified of snakes. I think it is because as a young child I had the fear of god put into me in regard to snakes. I'm sure if we had of lived in the country longer I would've been taught how to 'live with' snakes as I got older and more responsible, but because we moved to the city that never happened.

Yes, I know all the precautions, make lots of noise (not really that difficult for children), if you are going for a walk carry a long stick with you and sweep it in front of you to create vibrations on the ground, wear all encompassing shoes etc, but even now as an adult I feel very uncomfortable/cautious walking around in a country area in the warmer months.

As a parent I think it is a really difficult area. Part of me does think that for young children (under 6) it is necessary for them to have a fear of snakes along with a solid understanding of the precautions, because lets face it if you tell a small child not to touch something, most will out of pure curiousity. When you live in the country the reality is a child will probably spend some time outdoors where they aren't being closely supervised, if they come across a snake you don't want that curiousity to take over iykwim? I think as they get older and develop a better understanding of the world then you can work on turning that fear into a respect. Anyway, that's just my opinion, but I no longer live in the country and I am petrified of snakes so that may be clouding my judgement...

[AnyDream]

From a young age, we have practised saying "Danger! snake" and "Danger! don't touch" when looking at story books with snake pictures...and reinforcing with messages like what would you do if you see a snake in the garden...move away and come and tell a grown up, we don't touch snakes etc. The "Danger!" (said with drama, like an exclamation) word is a handy concept because you can then apply to other situations, like electrical cords and running onto roads, when you need to get their attention fast.

[Inanna]

Great topic to discuss & one I also think is important.
We live in a place that we have lots of snakes. There is a 6ft red belly black asleep today near the cow paddock in the sun. She lives there & has done for a long time. I had a very large python living underneath my house that scared the crappolla out of me numerous times - she was ginormous. HUGE. The snake rescue man came and rehomed her as she ate all of my chookies and I reckon she'd have a go at Gloria the ****z/malt that is part of our family.
My kids go to a school that is set in the rainforest - snakes are a part of daily life. There was one in the bookcase of year 2 a few weeks ago... They live with us & like Epacaris I believe we need to respect them. Snakes bite when they are cornered or scared. Having said that in the 15 year history of our school there has been no snake bites and at least a snake a week in the school. I like to think it's because the kids know what to do. They are trained from kindy. You STOP. You stay STILL. You call for HELP SNAKE. You quietly move away.

I've lived in country areas a good part of my life. Ive come faxe to face with a king brown and a death adder & applied both principals. The death adder when I was a wee 5 year old in an out back dusty town!.

I've treated snake bite in hospital and every person was trying to kill the snake - usually with a shovel...

Me tarzan you jane doesn't work with snakes!

My kids are wary but believe them beautiful and part of the world that we live in. I personally think this is the best ideal to instill...

[Inanna]

Just wanted to add. Take your kids to a snake show - somewhere they can be educated about snakes and taught of their beauty and their rightful place in our world. Yes be wary but really we are more dangerous to snakes than snakes are to us. I personally don't teach that they are dangerous. I teach caution. Don't touch. but I add because you are so much bigger you look scary to the snake & it might attempt to protect it'self as this is it's instinct...

We have a yearly snake demonstraion at school and first aid and identification of snakes & of course how to react is reinforxced to the children...

[beckoes]

some really great advice! thanks! I dont want her to be affraid of them so i think teaching caution and respect is best....but also probably a bit harder!

I have tried to do similar with spiders but for some reason she is freaked out by them! maybe its just instinct, my mum was a screaming mess everytime she saw a spider and i didnt want to put that on DD....even though i want to scream....i even held a bloody daddy long legs that was hidding behind the loo but she wasnt keen on it atall! There was a huge huntsman in the new house when we were looking around and she wouldnt even go in the room.

I think if i saw a snake i would be in such amazment i would probably just stand a stare at it, so i think i have to teach my self as much as i have to teach her! its good to have a little mantra i think....il work on that.
Thanks again

[Inanna]

I am scared of snakes too. As much as I don't want to be they freak me a bit. Having said that they also amaze me completely. I find them fascinating. I am so glad my children respect them, are cautious but don't see them as something to fear.

[~Kim~]

I have tried to do similar with spiders but for some reason she is freaked out by them! maybe its just instinct, my mum was a screaming mess everytime she saw a spider and i didnt want to put that on DD....even though i want to scream....i even held a bloody daddy long legs that was hidding behind the loo but she wasnt keen on it atall!

That is so true. My mum was the same and made a huge deals out of all things yuck, so even though on the inside it's awful, I am really aware of the kids watching me. It has paid off. DD used to be pertified of everything that moved, and now through positive exposure she's pretty good. If she sees a spider/lizard/bug of any description/mouse she'll tell her father it's there, but 'don't worry dad mum will take it outside'.
I totally agree with Inanna about the positive exposure to snakes too. We've taken the kids to a few and DD is quite proud about her knowledge.

The thing we've had to scare her about though is crocs and the waterways up here....healthy respect just doesn't cut it with them.