Mean Mom Syndrome

When we moved to the countryside I finally gave in, and we got two cats. Four years later we even got a little dog.

But for many years, I firmly put my foot down when it came to pets.

In 2011 I wrote this post about it.

Mean Mom Syndrome

For years now, I've been denying my kids the joy of having their own pet. Even though I'm not an animal lover, there's no pet on earth I wish to subject to the care, or lack thereof, of my kids.

Through the years the kids have resigned themselves to the fact that they have a 'stupid mom'. But my youngest son's yearning ran so deep, he created his own pet.

My son made his own pet...

His name is Teddy, and Pete makes sure he's got everything Teddy may ever wish for. He even takes him for walks, on a piece of string. Together they have great adventures.

'Do you know what worries me mommy?' Pete asked with his little boy voice. 'Balloons shrink'.
'You mean you're worried Teddy wil shrink?
'Yes,' Pete sighed, while cradling little Teddy lovingly in his arms.

I laughed so hard I cried

Then I felt like such a terrible mom, I laughed so hard I had to cry.
'Here mommy, Teddy will make it all go away!' Pete said consolingly.

So tomorrow we'll go out and get him a guinea pig.
Or a new balloon.

In the picture you see a picture of Teddy, in the prime of his life. 

Look at him smile! 

He's such a happy little pet.

Update 2021

Looking back I still understand my reasons for not wanting pets back then. I had my hands full with five little kids. But I've also discovered how much joy pets can bring, so in retrospect I still feel a little bit bad.

Luckily kids are resilient!

How do you feel about pets?