Would you be upset by what I say?

[glass22]

I've name changed because I feel I'm in enough trouble and worry myself about everything.

I work in a primary school and give first aid regularly. A complaint has been made by another member of staff that I keep threatening to chop children's arms & legs off!!!!

When a child comes to me bleeding and crying I try not to draw to much attention to the injury whilst patching them up, talking about all sorts and it seems to calm them. I have on occasion joked "we will have to chop it off, what do you think?" This is absolutely said in jest and in a very light hearted way. Out of context it sounds horrific but this couldn't be further from the truth. I've never had a child upset by the comment and in fact most of them burst into laughter.

I can understand why it was mentioned to me but I think the complaint from the member of staff was made maliciously because she has unknown issues with me.

I'm now uncomfortable around the children and very aware of everything I say and do for fear of it being taken out of context.

my husband says this as it's what his dad used to say. My son (3) says he has banged his leg and he goes "right! It'll have to come off.... where's the knife?" it's so cute and sweet - and he laughs.
The work colleague is ridiculous.

Just refuse to do any more first aid duties then. I would in protest of the ridiculousness of it all.

I'm a primary teacher and say that kind of thing all the time!

Absolutely ridiculous. Tell your manager that if you hear any more vexatious complaints like this then you'll be the one taking it further for harassment. The complainer sounds like she does have issues with you and needs to get the message that this isn't on.

I wouldn't be overly bothered but it's the sort of thing that I thought people didn't really say anymore.

My mum used to say that to me all the time as a kid. I say it to ss if he ever hurts himself and I usually get a smile from behind any tears.

I cannot believe anyone would take it seriously! It's not like you're actually going to cut anyone's arms off ffs!

I say it all the time, it makes the children laugh and forget they are hurt.

That said, I have worked in places where it isn't allowed to say that.

Go with school policy, if you are allowed to say it then don't change because of her. If you aren't, don't say it.

I have a 'sensitive' child myself who would take my comment literally so I am well aware of the type of child not to say it to.

What there's a school policy to stop you saying 'I am going to chop your leg off'
Jesus as a cm I thought I had some pretty bloody stupid policies from ofsted but that takes the biscuit.

Like LyingWhitch suggestion.

THe world has gone mad. If their child is upset over something as benign as this then I fear for how they will cope growing up.

Both dh and I have said the same to dd. Ridiculous complaint unless you're unwittingly scared a child. Sort of thing said in Jest.

Christ the world's fucked if this is what people are complaining about.

You need to Give children the credit of having a sense of humour, if that stops then were raising a society of PC idiots.

YADDDDDDNBU btw

This is beyond ridiculous

YANBU!!!

Another teacher here, very common thing to say to children as distraction when injured and also to give some of them a sense of perspective on making such a god awful fuss about the tiniest of bumps and scratches.

We truly are raising a nation of precious snowflakes

Yes we chop arms and legs off for cuts and bruises and have been known to chop heads off with a headache. It's normal and makes kids laugh.

Standard response to an injury in our house is "Go and fetch the big scissors." Always gets a laugh and distracts them. Both my Mum and my Grandma always said the same.

My eldest has ASD and can be very literal but even he finds it funny. Some children might not, but I assume you'd use judgement about which children you use it with anyway.

From the number of similar responses on here, it seems a vast majority of children you deal with will probably heard similar jokes at home.

Either the member of staff that made the complaint has a serious sense of humour failure or as you said, they have a problem with you for some other reason. Either way it was a ridiculous reason to make a formal complaint.

I say it all the time to my dc and others in a work setting it is an absolutely ridiculous complaint.
I have heard the secretary at school say it to dc as well. It's a pretty well known jokey thing to say to dc that have fallen over.

I offered to chop off Dds fingers and replace with sausages when she hurt them. It's distraction and it works.
Maybe offer to chop her head off too... Just without the smile on your face!

No I wouldn't be upset if you said this to my child.

I think you are within your rights to speak to the Head and say you think this is part of a wider picture of relationship issues with this member of staff.

I also would suggest that you offer to cease doing first aid if they feel your manner is inappropriate. Presumably you are aware in the school of which children are likely to take such a thing literally?

Starting up a chainsaw might be pushing it though.

Ridiculous Op
My dd is 6 and has always giggled at this kind of talk, 'do we need the Ambulance etc'.
What do you think their beef is with you?

Nothing at all wrong with it. It makes them laugh. It sounds like this person has some major issues. Carry on as you are.