opinions needed

[NicoleRussell]

Very recently, my hobby leaked out in my oldest daughter's school. I'm not embarrased but I never really bringit up in ordinary conversation and no one pegs me for a herper.
The director of her school approached me and asked me if it were true, and she basically said she was so appalled that she would make a mental note never to come to my home.
"You don't look like that type of person---I hope your not insulted--I just have a thing about reptiles"
My daughter Amanda goes to a Montessori school that's small and private....and the director is basically a very pampered, well off older woman.
Which is fine.
I mean we all spend out money the way we want to right?
That's no the end of the story though....
she has email addy's on file and last night, sends me this link:

http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/news/acc1203.htm

I am more then a bit put off by this.
I know my daughter never really discusses our hobby because she's so young that she has always felt it normal. But her best friend at school came down on her for having a pet snake and she is starting to see what type of people their are in the world (meaning herper, non herpers and a very thick line separating the two).
She has a wonderful interest in zoology/biology and herptology that I do not want squashed at the ripe old age of 6.
I was going to post this to parents only but when I thought about it, perhaps people who do not have children, but a vested interest themselves stemming back to their early childhood can shed some light.
What is the best course of action here?

[Brad]

I really cant give you advise on what to do, because i belive thats something you would have to find out yourself, but i will say this, if people cant respect people for the hobbys, interestes, ect....
them there not worth your time. people that look down on people because they have a passion for herps, then dont let that get to you, but insure your daughter that what she wants to do is not abnormal or unusual, because it's not, to me herptology is a very good career option and very exciting.

Thanks Brandon

[Dragon]

Well for a start domestic Cats pose a greater health risk to humans than reptiles, especially as they have free run of the house to lick and scratch and defecate/urinate wherever they want. In fact, pregnant women are always advised by their doctors never to empty cat litter trays for this very reason.

As for her opinion of your hobby, pity her. People like her are the reason we no longer have Wolves in England (they were all killed when we colonised the land). Also remember that if it wasn't for people like us we would know nothing about the world around us and it's diverse and fascinating infrastructure of wildlife.

At the end of the day you have to do what you think is right, but I wouldn't lose any sleep over her opinions, she's just one person when all is said and done.

Paul

[NicoleRussell]

True...I would never worry about anyone's opinion, unless it carried any weight with my children. If a teacher, administrator, parent (thank god I don't have THAT problem) or someone that as authority in the child's life has negative things to say, sometimes it stifles the child's interests. I'll tell you my thought so far.
I was going to make it a point to drop Amanda off on Monday and head straight into the office to speak with the director.
At that point I was going to ask for assurance that my child (actually Olivia would have been starting school there in Sept, so it's *children*) would not ever hear from an authority figure, be it a teacher, or director, that her hobby, OUR hobby, is abnormal, bad or negative in any way. If anyone has that opinion that's fine--but to voice it or show it in front of a child that young would be irresponsible on the part of the adult. And at that point I might be compelled to pull both children out of school and file a formal complaint in court.
Perhaps none of it would lead anywhere but the director is trying to buy the school right now and the publicity would not be good.
I don't see this as much different from us practicing a different religion that others might now wholly agree with---it's no one's business in the end.

[John_White]

Fear is fueled by ignorance. Most people that fear reptiles, especially snakes were taught this fear from their parents. It looks as if you have a great opportunity to break this cycle for the children that attend your daughter's school. See if you can bring a few of your smaller herps to her class for an educational show and tell.

When my oldest daughter started school had a similar experience, the principle would not allow her to bring any herp in inside the school. So, during warm weather my daughter and I would do her show and tell outside. Soon after we started every kindergarten class and then the entire school was requesting to attend her herp oriented show and tell presentations. It took a while but today this same school with the same principle has quite a few classroom herps. The two types of people in the world do not consists of "herpers" and "non-herpers", it consists of herpers and those just begging to be enlightened (whether they know it or not).

[irishsnakes]

maybe its because ilive in asmall town, but the school my daughters attend has reptiles in the room. the large male beardie has spent the last 3 summers at our home. children learn what they see and the director is teaching fear and distrust of those of us who have intrests outside the mainstream. tell her a very wise man once said"your mind is like a book, worthless unless you open it". of course we all know once someone has reached a postion such as hers she has already formed her opinions and a bunch of crazy snake lovers like us arent going to change that. teach your daughter thatdifferent does not mean bad and she will do fine.

[NicoleRussell]

John that sounds like a great idea....
I can try....I know there is at least one child with a deep seeded fear of snakes...not sure about lizards though.
I only hope this school, with this silly new director, does not have a problem with a display like this.
Do you know I went to my doctor's office yesterday (he shares a practice with his 2 sons) and I had a snake book with me. I was reading it in the exam room while I waited for him to come in. His son came in first and requested me to "sit" on the book....to hide it from his father....who has an actual phobia with snakes.
When his son explained to him what type of book I had...he sat on a chair like he was 5. It was amazing to me that he reacted this way.
But to be fair this was understandable more, because this man has a phobia that was diagnosed for him as a child. He does not choose to react this way he honestly can not help it.
The director, seemed to turn her nose up at me, and that is what I was concerned about. I did not want my children feeling bad about anything due to her abrasive reaction.
But I will give your idea try...and hope for the best.
Thanks