How can I stop my children from terrorizing my kittens?

Train your kids.

bl

And this is why most shelters/rescues/breeders will NOT adopt out a kitten to homes with children under 6. But honestly, who is the parent here? If what you're doing - especially with the 5 year old - isn't working, then who is in charge? The punishment has to fit the crime, and if it isn't working, then up the ante. If putting them in their room doesn't work, then put them in there longer and take away all TV privileges. It's the kittens now, but what about other things in the future? Are you raising future, well behaved children, or those brats I despise when I see them out in public running around like ill-behaved monsters? I am not anti-child - I have a well disciplined, successful 21 year old who's a success in both athletics and academics, and could always be trusted around animals as we had plenty while she was growing up.

The issue is discipline. I would however find a new home for the kittens and the sooner the better, before one of them gets injured or worse. While there are some parenting issues that need to be resolved here, it shouldn't be at the risk of those kittens who don't deserve to be treated as toys in this way.

You need to set some VERY firm limits on your children. Sit them down and talk with them. Ask the following questions:

1) how do you think the kittens should be treated?

2) Do you think you are treating them properly?

3) How do you think the kittens feel when you hurt them?

Your children are very young, so make sure they really understand what they are doing, and listen for any clues that they do or do not understand that the kittens are hurt, scared, etc. Then, have a very serious talk with them. Make the following points:

1) Kittens have feelings. Not only can they feel love, happiness, anger , fear and sadness, but they also can feel pain, just like you. Its not nice to hurt them.

2) You would not like it if someone hit, kicked or frightened you.

Talk with your children. See if they are witnessing violent behavior.. on television, video games, school bullies, an adult they fear... make sure they are not acting out because of something else. Violence toward animals is a red flag to something very serious or frightening in the child's life, in the very least to their perspective, such as witnessing a frightening scene on television.

Then, put the kittens in a carrier in the same room as your children. Explain that the kittens are hiding, because they are afraid of your children, who they thought would be their very best friends and love and care for them. Tell your children that you are going to let the kittens out, and if they harm them again, there will be no warnings (you cannot afford warnings with violence) - they will go immediately to their rooms and will not be allowed out for 30 minutes, for any reason but to use the bathroom. This extended time out should be offered ONCE. If it EVER happens again - the kittens should be immediately boxed up and driven to a no-kill shelter, with your children in the car, being explained to them how they lost their pets because they were abusive to them.

Above all, never use physical discipline on the kittens yourself - and never use physical disclipine on your children in this matter.. it will negate your point to spank them for hitting the kittens or otherwise causing them physical harm - which hairspray certainly can.. you didn't specify if this was the most aggressive behavior.

Ask them how they would feel if they were doused with hairspray. Maybe even do it to them. If this keeps happening though, I would get rid of the cats. Your kids just aren't ready for a pet if they aren't listening to you even if you're spanking them. Sorry:(

p.s. by get rid of do NOT put them on the street, or set them free. Either find them a new home where they can have the love they deserve or take them to a shelter.

I agree with Ocimom.You need to give the kittens to a no kill rescue

group who will find good homes for them.Our rescue groups policy is

not to adopt where a home has children under six years of age.

As far as spanking them;you need something stronger than your hand.

Take off your belt and use that.I'm sure your little brats will understand

the sting of a belt more so than a hand.

you should find another home for the kittens. kittens need to be socialized properly when they are very young otherwise they will be aggressive and have behavioral problems towards humans and possibly other animals.

sounds like your children are too young to have pets and you should not keep defenseless animals in the house- so don't trade the kittens in for hamsters or bunnies...ok?

the root of the issue is a behavioral and discipline problem with your children. please don't let the kittens suffer any more abuse and if you do remove them from your home, be responsible about it. find another home or a no-kill shelter, or a local cat rescue organization... or ask your vet who they can recommend.

Yes, please rehome the kittens. You and your wife need to get serious with your children and they may need some kind of counseling.

YOU are the parent. YOU should be in charge. YOU need to learn how to parent your children and teach them right from wrong.

My son was taught from the time he was crawling you cannot hurt the cats/kittens in any way. He was shown HOW to properly hold and pet a kitten and never to pull tails, etc. He grew up into a loving child the you could trust with any animal.

consult TAKE HOME NANNY Emma Jenner... or consult some counselor regarding your children... they need to be trained... probably they are not yet ready for a pet... or they want your undivided attention...

talk to them and ask them what would they go through if you behaved with them the way they are behaving with the kittens... but if they don't understand, then first find a shelter or a new home for the kittens... (pls don't leave them alone)... then train your kids...and be strict, if it is needed... but don't beat them...

everytime they do it spray them with water or put them in time out