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Comment by midgetjones | Hacker News Reader

Don't chase birds for fun

I didn't mention it, but a search for "waterfowl guide children" brought up 90% American sites about killing ducks. So chasing them seems like a minor issue.

(Adding "site:uk" to the search gives 90% results about feeding ducks.)

I can't find any official advice on whether chasing birds is considered healthy or harmful to either the child or the birds.

>I can't find any official advice on whether chasing birds is considered healthy or harmful to either the child or the birds.

I mean, wild animals generally don't like being disturbed. At best it stresses them. While the domain immediately screams bias, they cite sources: https://www.animal-ethics.org/wild-animal-suffering-section/...

The relevant bit there would be the 'frightening sounds'. A shouting/screaming child running at a bird isn't something that is normal for the bird.

Further reading:

- https://www.citylab.com/environment/2016/06/birds-city-healt...

- https://qz.com/726926/like-people-birds-that-live-in-the-cit...

- https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2008/jun/29/wildlife...

- https://www.mpg.de/533349/pressRelease20060901

- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160620112028.h...

When you go to the grocery store, allow a few extra minutes, take them out of the cart and have them help you.

I need three apples. Thanks, that's one. How many more do we need? Now we have three. One Two Three.

It gets you talking with your child more. It gives them confidence that they are contributing to a real task. Kids love to be useful. It's up to you to pick and choose those tasks in the supermarket, and everywhere else where they will be successful. Be patient, step back, and let them do as much as they can.

My area has something called POP club (power of produce?) at the farmers markets. Kids try some sort of produce, decide if they like it or not, and then get $5 of fake money to spend on produce or seedlings. It's really been interesting watching how my kids decide what to get, and how much, and negotiate the transactions. In the spring we often get starter plants for the garden. Even if you don't have such a club you might consider a "produce allowance" when you go to the market.

Not much to do with STEM, so I'll add that my youngest really likes changing the batteries in his toys, especially if a screwdriver is required.

I think human children have likely been chasing birds, much the way puppies would, since long before the dawn of civilization. As long as you teach your children to respect nature when they're older, letting a 3 y.o. chase ducks is as natural as teaching a 3 y.o. to walk. And as much of a threat to duck society as puppies are, as well.

> I can't find any official advice on whether chasing birds is considered healthy or harmful to either the child or the birds.

Empathy is a very important skill for children to learn; it's not at all natural. Getting them into the habit of thinking about the feelings of animals is part of the habit of getting them into the habit of thinking about the feelings of other humans as well. Conditioning them to enjoy the distress of animals, by contrast, seems like it would prime them to enjoy the distress of other humans as well.

As far as animals: I think it's harmful for wild animals to be too familiar with humans. If I'm in a park and am approached by any animals begging, I always chase them away -- not for fun, and not even for my own pleasure (since I actually like animals), but for their own benefit.

So ironically, I'd say: Chasing birds is probably good (overall) for the birds, but bad (overall) for the children, unless it's done with the right attitude.

I doubt a 3 year old would chase an animal for killing purpose. At most, it's an attempt to play with the animal. Or am I reading through the lines incorrectly?

I recall being chased by birds when i was a kid, i didn’t like it.

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