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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to think this punishment is unreasonable?

155 replies

teamaven · 18/03/2026 20:44

This is probably going to be divisive 💀 not looking for any judgment, only opinions.

My DD has just turned 5. I got a message from her teacher to say that at playtime, a child (boy also aged 5) had snatched some flowers off my daughter that she had picked at playtime. My daughter in turn hit the child, and therefore was to lose the next day’s lunchtime play. I will just add that she is not violent and this up until now has been a one off.

My first reaction was a bit horrified that she would hit someone and I was disappointed.

However, the first reaction of multiple family members have been ‘well they shouldn’t have snatched her flowers off of her, there you go’. My family is very well respected, especially my dad who is very professional so I was a bit shocked he would say this! But after much thought 🤷🏼‍♀️ 🤷🏼‍♀️. At the least I think both children should have been told off in this situation.

What are your opinions - before I draft my reply to the teacher?

OP posts:
5128gap · 18/03/2026 20:47

I think you should just reply thank you for letting you know, you support the sanction and will reinforce at home with DD that hitting someone who has snatched from you is not appropriate, and if it happens to her again she is to tell the teacher.

GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut · 18/03/2026 20:47

They may well have both been told off, but school won't tell you about another child

teamaven · 18/03/2026 20:46

Lmnop22 · 18/03/2026 20:45

At the end of the day, your child hit another child and needs to see consequences to those actions.

Drafting a reply suggesting otherwise is basically condoning violent behaviour.

If you re-read the post, I agreed. But I think both children should have been told off.

OP posts:
UncannyFanny · 18/03/2026 20:46

How does that logic translate when she’s in her 20’s? That’s it ok to hit someone if they snatch? Come on now…

Lmnop22 · 18/03/2026 20:45

At the end of the day, your child hit another child and needs to see consequences to those actions.

Drafting a reply suggesting otherwise is basically condoning violent behaviour.