Unschooling Tidbit #2
A simple trip to the pet store can be an awesome learning experience!
We took a leisurely stroll through a pet store, where we met a sweet little bird.
We have finches at home, but my 3 year old can't pet them, they're too skittish. So in this visit, he learned that every living creature is different, and not to label them. Our birds, and wild birds, often fly away scared...but that's not always the case. This bird was friendly and allowed pets, so they certainly aren't all the same.
He also learned that creatures who are known to be enemies, could also be friends. There was a cat in the store as well, who he watched as it cuddled with the bird. Unfortunately I was buying bird seed at that moment and not able to get pictures, it was sooo sweet!
Learning not to label living creatures is a very valuable lesson that can be carried through an entire lifetime, enabling him to do amazing things! It's an important lesson that, sadly, many don't learn. Take any opportunity you can to teach that to your children!
We used to drop by the pet store when my son was that little, saw many interesting animals, which was good as a lesson, but not anymore. I don't how it is where you live, but here the poor animals at the pet store are sad and I wouldn't want my boy to get upset. (Not to mention that I couldn't save the animals there if he asked!)
There are pet stores here like that, too, and it makes me sad... Luckily we have a nice one! This pet store only gets one or two of each animal at a time, and they get to run around the store! :) I love going in there... The big chains, not so much...