Uh oh, think I upset a parent at school. WIBU?

[CrapBag]

We were all in the playground this morning waiting for the bell to ring. I saw DS struggling with 2 girls. I could see that the 2 girls were fighting over something and DS was trying to be 'helpful' by getting them to stop (they are all 5).

I went over and told DS to leave it as it had nothing to do with him, although I could see that he was sticking up for his friend who had a toy and this other girl was trying to take it from her. Another mum had already called over for the girl who was trying to take it to give it back, but she didn't listen. It is becoming apparent that this girl seems quite boisterous and one of the mums was saying that her parents can't control her. This was going on for a little while.

I had to tell DS a second time when he was trying to intervene. I went over (and I had assumed that the girls parents were not there as this was all near us all and no one had gone over to sort it out) and I just said nicely "who's toy is it?" the girl who was trying to take it was smiling and saying "mine, mine" but the other girl who looked bothered said it was hers (which I knew was true). I just said to the girl "ok I think you should give that back now then" in a really nice way, no raised voice or sternness or anything like that.

The next thing I knew, the girl had run off to her dad (who had been sat behind us on the wall the whole time) and was sat on his lap and was apparently crying. He was cuddling her.

I got the distinct impression that he was not happy about his DD being upset. I was honestly very nice about it all but now I am thinking that I shouldn't have interfered. I did wonder if he was going to come over and say something as I could see out of the corner of my eye that he was looking at me.

Did I do the right thing? I honestly didn't feel like I could stand by and just watch them fighting it out over this toy.

To be honest I would have stayed out of it. Some kids squabbling over a toy in the playground isn't really a big deal in the scheme of things. I don't think you should have got involved but what's done is done. If you were polite, I am sure the parents have forgotten about it already!

I always leave DS to fight his own battles as far as possible. If you haven't done anything wrong then you can hold your head up high.

I wouldnt worry too much about it. Three children, one of which was your child, were in a squabble. From what you described, you spoke to them as any adult would. I am a teacher and would have done the same.

wowser I couldn't stay out of it, the 2 girls had the toy between them and DS was trying to hang off their arms in an effort to let the other girl let go. I did leave it for a little bit but I couldn't just ignore him doing that. I left the girls to it the first time I told DS, but then he went back to try and 'help' again and I couldn't ignore it again, as he was trying to hang between their arms again.

I do agree normally though that children should sort out their squabbles and I don't jump in unless its necessary, this was quite physical though.

DS does like to stick up for his friends.

I would have done exactly the same thing and I wouldn't give a shiny shit if he's offended, if another parent has to go over to a squabble twice then you need to get off your arse and see what's going on with your child, imo.

Well yes that's what I think. That's why I assumed he wasn't there. I was actually quite shocked when I saw he was sat behind me.

I am guessing this is why she is becoming known for being a bit of a pain, her parents don't seem to do anything.

I don't think I could sit back and watch 5 year olds continue to squabble, especially if the children weren't showing any sign of sorting it out by themselves. And who cares if her dad was bothered by it - you were nice and polite, it's not like you gave his DD a chinese burn.

Although do bear in mind, he'll still be giving you the evils when they're in Year 13 .

"it's not like you gave his DD a chinese burn"

This did really make me .

Oh yes I know I in for years of evil looks now. Oh well, I know that the other parents were bothered as well and I wasn't the first one to say something anyway.

Some mothers just don't like their children told off for any reason, one Mum with a child in DS class was very cross when I asked her DS to stop dragging my much younger DD around the playground on her knees, another time she has had a go at me because my DM told MY DS off in the playground near the other boy.