I’m asking about a parent I know. They seem to think the way they speak to their child is normal and acceptable, I’m not convinced it is however I had a nice upbringing and my friendship circle are generally very calm and kind towards their children, so maybe I’m just a bit naive. However from what I’ve see of their parenting I’m wondering if I should be concerned or not. I haven’t said anything to them and I don’t want to come across as judges, I’m not perfect but I try to keep my calm.
Shouting - loudly and angrily, this happens regularly. Minor name calling - stupid, idiot, ‘what is wrong with you’ etc. Dismissive a lot of the time - go away, don’t care, not interested. Threatening to take away a favourite toy causing upset, ‘if you kick me I’ll kick you back’ (has never to my knowledge hurt their dc, this is said more in anger than a genuine threat I think). Grabbing by the arm to roughly move the child.
They’re also very kind and engaged with their dc sometimes but maybe it’s half the time at most compared to the negative stuff above. Their dc are normal, energetic young children. Not perfectly behaved but generally nice kids I’m happy to have around my dc. I’m starting to get reluctant to spend time with this person once lockdown is over as I don’t feel it’s pleasant for their dc or nice for my dc to see either.