How do you "cure" a parent of rodent-phobia?

Question

My sister and I want to get a pair of gerbils. We are well aware of all of the responsibilities required with this investment, so don't worry about that. My dad seems to be okay with it, beyond this: my mother has supposed "rodent-phobia". It's not like she screams or anything; she just gets grossed out by them. It's mostly bats and rats, but she makes out like all rodents scare her, which I don't think they actually do. I honestly believe it's all just my mother being a drama queen. How do I convince her (or convince her to convince herself) that gerbils are not disgusting, won't bite her and won't escape from their cages and crawl around inside the walls at night?

Answer 1

well, their tails have fur on them.. so they aren't quiet like rats..

Answer 2

Do you have a friend with a gerbil?

Ask to go over to his or her house and then tell your mom to pick you up.

When she comes, have the gerbil out and show your mother how friendly he or she is.

Don't force your mom to pet the gerbil though. Just let her watch the gerbil and show her how friendly they are and how they won't bite.

Also have your friend talk to your mom about the gerbil to assure her that if you get the right cage, a gerbil cannot escape.

If you don't have a friend, have your mom come to a local pet store and have a store clerk show your mom the gerbil and give her information about them.

[Also, ask your mom if getting an aquarium with a snake proof top would be ok. That way the gerbil can, in no way, escape unless if someone opens the cage]

Answer 3

Tell your mom you will keep the gerbils in the escape-proof cage in your bedroom with the door closed, and she will never have to look at them. Of course, this means you clean your own room, change the sheets, and clean the cage when shes out working or shopping.

Answer 4

I have this too. Even guinea pigs freak me out. You could get them but do not show our mother or her to have anything to do with them. Keep them in their own area. I know how much rats gross me out. I am shaking just thinking of it.

Answer 5

the only way to get a person to appreciate rodents is to have them interact with them. go to a pet store and have her pet a gerbil or even hold a gerbil. she will realize how great they are. she might even be amused by how fast gerbils are

PS gerbils do bite, by the way