Thursday, April 24, 2008

What would YOU have done?

Yesterday at work, just as we were about to close, one of the kids of a coworker came in. He came up behind a teller and just slapped her on the back as hard as he could.

EVERYONE in the place heard it. The poor girl he hit was almost in tears and had a big hand print on her back.

The mother just calmly got up and smiled, got the child by the hand and walked him away. She didn't say a word. He was not reprimanded, or disciplined, nor did he ever apologize.

I went to the back and as I was walking back, the same child was standing there with his little brother coaxing him and they were BOTH headed toward the same teller hands up ready to slap her again....

I turned around, pointed my finger in their faces and VERY sternly and loudly told them they had better NOT hit her again.

They began to tell me it was okay and WHY couldn't they hit her and that they hit people all the time. I told them it was just WRONG and RUDE and they should never hit anyone, especially a girl or adult.

The whole place was in shock - this is a side of me not seen frequently by anyone. They began to tell me the oldest child has "problems" and they are working with him .... etc...

The mother was in a meeting and unaware of the second incident. I'm not sure what she would have done or said.

Was I wrong? Was I too stern? Was it okay for the boys to hit an adult? What would you have done?

8 comments:

The LaBouffs said...

Well, you know I would have done EXACTLY what you did. It doesn't matter whether or not the kid has 'problems' or not...they still needed to be corrected! Who knows? Later on in life, he could kill someone and think it's okay because his moma or anyone else, for that matter, had not told him otherwise!

I've DEFINTELY seen that side of you...I've been on the receiving end! It's not fun to make Moma mad :(

Unknown said...

I would have done the SAME thing! And I have told people at church and family that if they ever see my kids acting this way, I hope they will reprimand them. And my kids know that they had better listen to them!

Anonymous said...

Hurray for someone who cares enough to intervene. You certainly assisted the young woman who was their target. And set an example to everyone who heard you that sometimes you just have to get involved. We've all read of the horrifying things that people passing by sometimes just ignore. Good for you!

Elsa said...

I would have grabbed those children, made them sit on the floor and went and got their Mom. There is no excuse for children to act like that.
If you made the Mom mad...well...you want be there much longer!! lol

rhonda rowe said...

Maybe if i were you I would write a book about rearing Godly children... Maybe this is your cue?? I love you rhonda

LIFESPEAKER said...

Good for you. I have told kids off before too. Too many people stand on the sidelines in fear instead of speaking up! You did good!!!

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

Oh, I'm getting all caught up here. Those grandbabies are irresistible, no wonder you're going. I would, too. And I think you did the right thing, although I don't know if I would have had the chutzpah to do it!

Dana said...

I SOOO would have done what you did! I don't understand some parents these days. There is a little boy in Mia's class at school who is known as "The Biter." Not only has Mia come home with "lovely" teeth marks on her finger, but other kids have been bitten, as well. When the teacher confronted the mother about it, she said, "Well, what do you want me to do? Apologize?!?!" They were totally shocked by her response. Obviously, she doesn't think it is a big deal. That makes me mad. If they aren't going to do their job as a parent by addressing their own kids then don't expect me to stand by and watch/let it happen!!

Good for you for doing the right thing. Those little boys should NOT be hitting ANYONE! And, like Rebekah said, if no one corrects them now it could lead to bigger problems later on in life! Three cheers for you for preventing future crimes!! ;o)