I want to be careful talking to my granddaughter about her hopes and dreams, especially as I know more than she does about her parents' limits and reservations. Right now she wants a bunny for Christmas. We have looked at the bunnies at the pet store multiple times. She has persuaded her mother to accompany her there. She had high hopes, and yesterday she told me her mom said maybe in June, for her birthday. In the meantime, having experienced having two bunnies when my kids were small, I've been honest privately with her mom about the negative aspects of bunnydom. I'm caught in between, as I want to be on my granddaughter's side, yet be fair with her mother as well.
So while we were eating, I discussed the problems with a bunny: they need to be in a strong hatch outside, as they poop a lot, they chew on furniture, that kind of thing. None of these facts discourage the granddaughter one little bit. But I've made my attempt to inject reality into the conversation.
The truth is my husband and I took care of the terribly neglected bunnies, felt awful about it, but were unable to guilt trip our kids into responsibility. So this extra work is likely to fall on the parents. I didn't even tell about the mystery animal who killed our first bunny. The second was given to our daughter by my brother, and the third was wandering around the back yard about to get eaten when we saved it. We never would have had another bunny after the first one died.
So, in other words, I'm torn. I'm trying to be honest, and be a listener for my granddaughter, and she adorably thinks I'm on her side. I am, in a general way, but I also know sometimes disappointments turn out to be blessings, and pet care is a fantasy that usually turns into reality not so happy. Probably, she will get the bunny, as she is so loved, and like my kids, probably the novelty will wear off quickly, and the parents might as well join the 4H club.
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