We will do anything in our power to make sure our kids are safe and sound. Once we get a tiny whiff of someone trying to pick on our children, we immediately stand at attention, ready to unleash hell. Even if that someone is 10 times bigger than us.
This seems to be the case with these swan parents and their swan babies. The second they thought their kids might be bullied by those snobby, entitled cows, they swooped in to lay down the law. Dad was shooing the cattle away, and Mom made sure the kids got to safety. Excellent parenting.
Peekaboo
Or should we say, peek-a-bear? As children in the human world, many of the things we learn are taught to us using games. The animal world is no different. Just look at this adorable bear/cub duo!
Mama Bear seems to be teaching her young how to hide from potential dangers or potential prey. The little cub looks like he's acing this new skill! Soon, he'll be doing it not just for fun but as a fully grown brown bear. His mother will be so proud!
And That's the Riverbank
Parents, you probably know that situation well. As you teach your child how to navigate this world, you introduce them to almost anything — including the home you live in. This is exactly what this swan seems to be doing.
Mama Swan here is showing her chicks the ways of the river. The orientation tour includes the best parts of the riverbank, what plants are good to eat, and how to stay away from pesky frogs.
What Are You Looking At?
This family of macaque monkeys could star in the primate version of "The Godfather." While we wouldn't go as far as saying they have any mob-like tendencies, we can sense that their family dynamic and the menacing looks are up that Corlenone alley.
The monkeys with the babies clinging to them give the camera the same look we would give anyone who's wronged our child. We wouldn't want to be at the receiving end of such a look, but we would apply it to protect our kids.
Proud Parents
These birds are called Least Terns, and it looks like they're doing something right. After showing their chicks the basics of catching little sand eels, one of them got his first catch completely by himself!
This family scene reminds us of that same moment when parents see their child riding a bicycle with no training wheels for the first time. The sheer pride on their faces, the sense of accomplishment in the baby's eye — it's all there.