While school shopping for Ry today, I watched a mother get angry with her 8ish year old son for standing on the end of the cart, causing it to tip back for a second before it bounced back down. Out of what was probably just frustration (we were shopping during tax-free weekend, after all), she squeezed the back of his neck before popping him in the back of the head...hard. Now, maybe its because I try to tell Rylan that its important to look out for the kids smaller than you that cant protect themselves or maybe its just because I have a low tolerance for bullying, but I called her out on it. Not to embarrass her or threaten her (although I kind of did), but more in defense of the little boy who had no other defense in that moment. We exchanged words...I maintained my cool for the sake of the little ears who were listening... she didnt which was not surprising. The whole exchange lasted about 2 minutes. My points are: 1) If you see something wrong happening, dont look the other way. Im not saying to get involved anytime you dont agree with something someone is saying or doing, but in situations like this where someone is being mistreated, speak up. What would Rylan have learned if I hadnt? 2) As a parent, youre going to get angry....thats okay. Whats never okay is reacting to your child out of that anger. You get one shot with them to teach them how to manage and respond to behaviors appropriately. Use that shot wisely. I will say this. When I walked by her a minute later, she had her arms wrapped around her son...in love. Im sure she felt guilty and regrets having reacted that way. Im not saying shes a bad mom...I dont know her. Regardless, shell probably take a minute to cool down in the future. To all the parents on my friends list, I know there will be mixed feelings about this. Some who think I should have stayed out of it, others who think my response wasnt harsh enough since the police werent called. Either way, I dont regret it. I stood up for something I believe strongly about and for someone who couldnt do it for himself. Hug your kids a little tighter tonight...just because you can.
Posted on: Sun, 03 Aug 2014 21:09:20 +0000
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