To think this is not an acceptable thing to say to a child?

[blondieblondie]

"Wipe that smirk off your face or I'll wipe it off for you?"

A school staff member to a child, basically over an uneaten lunch.

I very much doubt the threat was a physical one, if that's how some people are interpreting it?

Totally unacceptable. I would complain.

I'm going to complain, but what should I expect?

I don't want them just to fob me off. My sons asking to go a lack lunch for the remainder of term, obviously as he doesn't want to have to deal with this woman.

my mum used to say that... the wipe it off for you usually involved a smack of some sort.

I suspect it was one of the things said to her as a child... hopefully it would have meant time out of playtime.

If someone said this to one of my dc's at that age I'd be up there in a shot. Totally unacceptable behaviour from and adult looking after children.

I wouldn't talk to an adult like that so why would I say that to a vulnerable child. Horrible.

Regardless of what your child did that person had no right to say that. To me the phrase means you'll get a slap.

Your child may or may not have been cheeky- he is fully entitled to have a chat with his friend at lunch time, the teacher needs a word, that is not an appropriate thing to say. I would consider it a threat.

blondie - I would flag it up with the head teacher or a teacher you are on good terms with? I would expect them to take this seriously and for all you know , this person has said other inappropriate things. It all helps to build a picture. Mention the impact on your son. I suppose they could also try and say that your son was mistaken, I hope they don't go down that route.

Gosh that's a blast from the bad old days I'd complain.