Ok so this has been playing on my mind since I witnessed it and wanted to get thoughts on what I should have done in this situation.
I was walking behind a family down our local high street a few days ago. The mum was pushing an empty pushchair and her toddler (maybe slightly older than a toddler - I'm not good with kids ages) was holding on to the pushchair and walking next to mum with his dad on the other side of him. Dad is a big guy with big winter boots on.
I don't know what happened before what I witnessed but can guess given what the dad said but basically the dad kicked the toddler and shouted aggressively 'see it hurts when you kick people doesn't it so stop it'. I can't remember exact words.
I was with my mom who was really shook up, as was I. I was carrying my 5 week old baby in a sling. Without him I feel like I might have said something to him because it was so horrific to see. The mum didn't even bat an eyelid so I would have also wanted to say something to her - she's meant to protect her baby!
My mom said we should have phoned the police and tailed them until they arrived. That it's everyone's responsibility to safeguard children and who knows what happens behind closed doors if that is what he does in public. I sort of agree but it's a small place and I don't really know how you could discreetly follow a family for goodness knows how long waiting for the police.
My heart really went out to the baby though and I do feel rotten that I did absolutely nothing to protect him.
Please help MN in case I see something like this again - what should I have done?