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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Flinching child

11 replies

samwormy91 · 16/07/2018 01:05

I went up to my.local town centre on Saturday, and as I waiting for my mom to get to the car there was this family and the little boy must of been about two or .maybe even younger, they were letting him run around the car park, quite a distance as well so I was watching (not gonna lie I was judging a bit) and then as the rest of the family got in the car I'm assuming his dad went up to get the little boy and he said something (they were foreign) and the little boy didn't just flinch he sort of crouched down and held up his hands over his head as if he was going to protect himself from a lot of hits, (I hope I've explained it right it was a very exaggerated flinch/protection) anyway they got in the car really quick, no car seat and drove off.... it's been bothering me all weekend, I couldn't even tell you what colour the car was or anything just the way the little boy flinched, like a child that age shouldn't be flinching so exaggerated..... my question is, is there anyone that I could tell that could possibly check up on it or something, would anyone take me seriously as I obviously can not tell them a single thing about this family other then where they were at a rough time

OP posts:

Llanali · 16/07/2018 06:40

There would be a method of reporting and it would seem wise to do so, especially the no car seat as well.

But since you don’t know the colour, make of the car, license, names, ages or anything, I’m not sure what you’d get anyone to do.

‘I saw a young boy flinching from his dad in X town centre by the car park’ won’t get anyone very far :(

Pecano · 16/07/2018 06:57

Without any identifying information, realistically there isn’t much you can do now

SandyY2K · 16/07/2018 07:01

I know how you feel. It's sickening.

On holiday at the moment ...we were on a carriage with another family. Their baby was about 6/8 months and was making noise excitedly.

The dad tells the mum to get the baby quiet. I said it's fine ...in case he felt it necessary for us.

Next thing he takes the baby of the mom and puts his hand over baby's mouth.... then my DD told me afterwards he was squeezing the baby.

I was horrified and angry... I wish I knew more to report him.

Justanothernameonthepage · 16/07/2018 07:02

I would report it - while acknowledging that you're aware it may be difficult to trace them. But CCTV is normally active in most car parks. Give as much info as possible, time, area of car park, number of people in the group (x adults etc), type and colour of car. It might lead to nothing - but if there is a chance it could help that young boy, I'd have to try.

wellBeehivedWoman · 16/07/2018 07:06

Since you have no useful information I don't see how you could report it. Unless there is CCTV of the area? But even that is likely to be a long shot.

Why did you feel the need to state that they were foreign?

Next time if you have concerns about a child, try to get a car model or licence plate. If you can't get that information then report it immediately, so that there is more of a chance that something can be done in the moment.

MakeMineATwin2 · 16/07/2018 07:07

Such a shame you couldn't obtain more information about the car. I have seen similar behaviour at a park before and it's very upsetting to see. Unfortunately like you, I didn't have time to take in important details, but it's haunted me since it happened.

Phosphorus · 16/07/2018 07:10

But nothing actually happened.

There is literally nothing to report.

No one was hit, shouted at, you can't be sure of the at situation.

Just a small boy who'd rather run about than get in a car.

Mine might have done the same. Or screamed blue murder and run for the hills.

GloGirl · 16/07/2018 07:14

Yes, really all you would be reporting is a lack of car seat.

Use your uncomfortable feelings to work out how to act if a similar situation.

FullMetalRabbit · 16/07/2018 07:15

Why did you feel the need to state that they were foreign?

I presume because OP was explaining that she couldn’t understand what was said as it was a foreign language

Why do you feel the need to pick someone up on their post rather than just giving an answer?

samwiggle9 · 16/07/2018 07:33

I meantioned they were foreign Because i dont know what was said to the child for him flinch that way.

samwiggle9 · 16/07/2018 07:34

It wasnt the running round the car part, it was the flinching as much as what he did thats bothering me, its because he was running round the car park i even started watching.

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