I was out earlier and as I was walking along there was a family with a few young children.
The eldest (I'd say no older than 8) was daydreaming and walked into the road without looking, a car was coming and mum pulled him back quickly.
Mum then shouted his name and slapped his arm - bit extreme. I know what that fear can do to you. Still not the way to go.
The boy then started to cry, mum mocked him crying, got right in his face and grrrrr'd at him. A really aggressive sort of noise.
Then yanked him in front of the buggy and said 'You're one ungrateful bastard.'
To her young son.
I've not been able to get that poor lad out of my mind. I know there's nothing I can do, I only have his first name. There were no police about. Approaching the mother I think would've caused an aggressive confrontation.
But all I can think of is, if mum does that in the street, what happens behind closed doors.
It's honestly stuck with me.
Is there anything I can do?