DD, 4, casually informed us yesterday that our new au pair had pinched and twisted DS' ears (6) a few times when he was naughty. When it didn't work she used her nails. DS confirmed exactly the same story when we asked him. Including the bit about the nails. We are horrified and sacked her as soon as she got home. She hasn't denied the ear pinching but says he was laughing not crying. She didn't do it to hurt and her mother used to do this to her when she was naughty. As on 4th au pair I have a big manual that I give them when they arrive and go through it. It includes no shouting or physical violence of any kind and suggest alternative punishments. Woke up this morning to a DH who seems to be acting as if we've over reacted. I feel dreadful about the whole thing but the trust has been broken. Did we over react? At mo feeling so guilty and worst mother ever!