Dealing with kids and parents?

Question

How do I deal with kids and their parents? I work at a petstore and sometimes the children are horrible. They bang and climb on the cages, pick up rabbits by the ears and birds by the tail (yes, im serious), and even open the ferret and bird cages and let them out. One child actually broke a ferret's back. And all the while the parents are standing right there not doing a thing. We have numerous signs asking them to not do this, but it hasn't made a difference.

I'm not just ranting here, in some cases im concerned about the child's saftey. I will tell parents not to let their kids stick their fingers into the parrot cages b/c they bite. Yet they let their kids go right ahead and do it!

My question is how to deal with these kinds of people. I'm at my wits end. How do I approach a parent who is letting their child do these things? What can I say to them that I already havent?

Answer 1

Tell them sternly, "you are disregarding the store rules..follow them or you will be asked to leave the next time your kids dis-obey them". Simple as that! I completely understand you on this one. We go to the local pet store and animal shelter once a week to visit with the animals, and sometimes the kids/parents are APPALLING!!!! Tell them to follow the rules or leave. That will get the message across. maybe post a sign on the door stating this, if your boss will clear it.

They can't sue you hun, don't worry about that. If you don't have surveillance already, invest in some. That would hold in court even if anyone was dumb enough to tell a judge "I didn't follow the rules and  his finger got bit off" lol.

Answer 2

I am a parent and I know exactly what you are talking about!1I can't stand it when I see people letting their kids wreak havoc.First I would suggest telling any parent with a "meanie"that if their child harms an animal they will have to pay for the vet bill.It may lose you a customer,but people like that do not need pets.I would also make some smaller signs to go directly on the cages that say,Any injury not the responsibility of store,or something like that.Sorry you have to deal with this-GOD-bless

Answer 3

what a position to be in; i don't envy you. :( tell the parents you are concerned for the safety of their brat, er, um, child, as well as that of the animals, and that they are responsible for making their children abide by the rules posted. if you have to say so again, they will be asked to leave the store. so not fun, but what else can you do?

Answer 4

If you are a manager then you can ask them to leave if they are not going to follow store rules. If you are not a manager then call a manager over.

You can only do what you can do. Do your best. Look around. But don't try to do the impossible. You cannot be in multiple locations at one time.

I hate people like this. The poor ferret. What jerks.

There is a lot of ignorance out there that is willful. Some people have the "I'm a victim" attitude.

Answer 5

When there are a large group of people in your store, you need to group them and explain that the tour will begin shortly.  Then have everyone follow your lead as you present each animal -- at a safe distance -- from the customers.  You will be in charge by describing each animals and their pros and cons.  Offer your customers an individual visit with the animals after the tour.

It is nearly impossible for a waiver to stick in a court of law as any lawyer can find a way to explain that his client was not completely aware of the circumstances involved.

Answer 6

Do you have an overhead speaker - where you can say to not touch the animals.  Dont point it at anyone specific, make a general announcement like home depot does "for the safety of your children - blah blah blah"

Also what does the owner/manager say.

Answer 7

You can ask them to leave the store. You have that right. If they are being unruly in your establishment then you can MAKE them to leave. Period.

Answer 8

I'm sorry you are dealing with this.  My son loves to stop by the pet store at our local mall every time we're there, but I make him obey the rules. He knows not to touch the animals (unless an employee invites him to do so, that is), bang on the glass, or otherwise disturb the animals.  What's sad is that I've seen adults behave in the way you describe some of the children - knocking on the glass, picking up animals despite warnings, etc.  It's really sad.

Anyway, I would post signs saying what the rules are.  Also make sure that the signs state that if a person is injured by an animal while breaking one of the rules (such as touching the animals), you cannot be held legally responsible.  Show anyone who breaks the rules to the door.  It's your responsibility to protect the animals, so don't be afraid of standing up to the rude people.  Good luck.