What would you do?: Mean kids

My 15 m.o. DD and I go to a playroom everyday. Today there was this little terror (maybe 2 years) running around and being a complete menace.

He repeatedly ran over to my kid, ripped things out of her hand, told her "I don't like you," hit her in the head with plastic toys, etc. He did this to multiple children over the course of his rampage.

His mother just watched and did NOTHING. Absolutely NOTHING. When I finally pulled my DD out of the way after she was getting whacked in the head, the mother actually had the nerve to say to me "he was just patting her on the head."

I was dumbfounded.

What would you do in these instances? I didn't know what to say to DD, didn't know if I had the right to say something to the boy, and wasn't sure what I would say to the mother...

Message edited 1/17/2014 4:56:34 PM.

Re: What would you do?: Mean kids

I've never been in that situation, but I would probably say something to the mother. The fact that she saw it all happening and did nothing would make me furious, but what can you say to a person like that? She would probably be defensive.

Is there someone who "runs" the place that you can talk to about this?

Re: What would you do?: Mean kids

Re: What would you do?: Mean kids

I probably wouldn't waste my time saying anything to the Mom if this was a random occurrence. If this was repeated at a regular playgroup then that would be a different story. I've been involved in a lot playgroups with both of my kids over the years and at that age you will find a lot of kids and parents like this. Just reinforce good behaviors to your daughter and try to steer clear of the rowdy kids.

What would you do?: Mean kids

Nope doesn't fly with me I'm That Mom. I would not let my 15mo be treated that way, I wouldn't want her to think it was ok or to be scared to come to a place that is part of her daily routine. I would tell the Mom that he was being too rough with my little one. I would also reinforce to both children that we use Kind words and share nicely in the playroom. If the little terror continued and the Mom did not step up I would move DC and stay between her and the other kid. I would tell the other kid to stay away if he is not going to play nice.

Re: What would you do?: Mean kids

No right to say anythng to the boy IMO. But you DEF have the right to say something to the mother. I'm very quiet and typically let things slide off my shoulder but if a kid is meaning mean to my kid I would absolutely say something to the mom. I don't like mean people period! Never mind if someone was being mean to my child.

What would you do?: Mean kids

I would give her a "pat" on the head & see how she likes it.

I dont like to start sh¡t @ the playground & I understand kids can be rough BUT to hit multiple times is inappropriate & I would approach the mom or dad. If nobody says anything then parents may think their childs behavior is acceptable.

Re: What would you do?: Mean kids

I'd probably plant myself right next to my kid and if meanie tries to grab something, I'd say something like "We ASK for turns" loud enough for mom to hear. If he tries to hit I'd say "no no we need to use NICE hands."

I doubt it would do anything but it would make me feel better. I'd also say something to whoever is in charge of that playgroup

What would you do?: Mean kids

I would have told the little boy that she was playing with it, and he had to wait his turn. When a parent isn't parenting, and their child acts inappropriately toward my child I have no issue saying something. I have never had a parent step in for doing it, but if one did I would tell them to parent their child so I don't have to.

Re: What would you do?: Mean kids

Re: What would you do?: Mean kids

I have no problem telling a child who is not mine no or to move away from my child. I just can't let another kid hit mine because I don't want to offend the mom. If the mom then wants to make excuses and say her kid was just patting the head, that's ok. My goal is to protect my ds, not critique someone else's parenting. I am sure the other mom knows her kid is wild. If you tell her she will just get defensive. Actions speak for themselves.

Message edited 1/18/2014 9:27:38 AM.

Re: What would you do?: Mean kids

I'm very quick to correct a kid that bugs my child. If kid doesn't listen I tell the mom. I think that is the best way to teach your kids to defend themselves and not take crap from other kids. Now they totally handle things themselves

What would you do?: Mean kids

Ive corrected other kids at play places that were being rough/mean to my DD when their parents werent watching. Im there to protect my child and I dont have the time to try to get the other parents' attention if their kid is hitting my child.