To defend my child whilst looking crazy?!

[Travellingmamma]

This is my first AIBU so be gentle with me! Took my kids (4 and 3) to a fast food restaurant for lunch today as it was inset day for my biggest. DS1 had been generally getting on my nerves all through lunch and I was at the glad to get out of there. He ran the the door out onto the street, tripped over his own feet and fell flat on his face. DS immediately started hysterically crying and came to me for a hug to check his wounds (a small scratch on each hand). I hear laughter coming from behind me so I turned around and saw 2 boys of around 9 and 11ish? I shot them an evil look and they carried on howling and went back inside. I followed. From standing in the doorway I said “you think it’s funny to laugh at a small child that’s hurt themselves? If you were my boys I’d be ashamed of you!” I was firm, but not shouting. Then their dad came over and when I said they’d laughed at my DS who had hurt himself told me to get used to people laughing, they thought it was funny, I was crazy and need to get a life. The boys followed me back outside outside still pointing and manically laughing (at me now, not my son) and I lost it. I said their behaviour was disgusting to their dad just inside the door and he said I need to grow up and stop chasing children who are just having a laugh. One of the boys stuck his middle finger up at me. The mum appeared with another older boy from the toilets and also gave me a mouthful of abuse. I said forget it and left, they left as well and carried on shouting back at me walking in the other direction. I shouted back “if that’s how you act in front of your kids then I’m not surprised how they behave!” I was seething inside, but could see I wasn’t getting anywhere! I know my boys wouldn’t laugh at someone who was crying, and if someone said to me that they had then I would explain to them that they were unkind and ask them to apologise. I suppose that’s what I wanted from these parents, I despair that some parents encourage their children’s unkind behaviour rather than reprimand. However, I also get that I may have looked like a lunatic, opening the door and telling some random kids that I would be ashamed of them! Sorry for the ramble, but the more I think about it, the more I think I shouldn’t have lost my temper with some random preteens. So wibu to stick up for my crying child or was I a crazy person?

[PrincessJuanita]

A member of staff fell in assembly once, she badly hurt her shoulder and took a while to be able to get up. One of the mums was openly howling with laughter and nudging people around her. I have struggled to see that mum in the same light again as I was 
But when there are many tv shows that make a fortune out of laughing at people falling and hurting themselves I suppose society is teaching kids that it IS a funny thing to happen.... sad!

[Aprilsinparis]

Sorry, but you did over react. I think I would just have thrown them a dirty look. The parents of the boys didn't help matters though.

[sweatthesmallstuff]

I can understand why you were mad but it's no wonder the kids are the way they are with parents like that . Some people do not like anyone telling kids if even if they are in the wrong . Most people who saw anyone especially a child hurt would not laugh. I know a lot of people laugh if someone falls over but you check if someone is ok first .
I remember I went on a night out years ago with a 'friend ' I hadn't seen much of her for years but went out anyway with others . I tripped over and hurt myself and she howled laughing with others which I thought was a bit unreasonable that she didn't ask how I was and also made me look a idiot . I was ok more bruised ego but after that I definitely distanced myself from her . I just don't think it's very nice that's all .

[BunnyCake]

Theh are bringing their sons up to be unkind and it'll bite them on the arse one day. You are bringing your son up to be kind and will reap the rewards of that

[Perso25]

YANBU

What an awful family they are.

[MacosieAsunter]

British comedy is built on slapstick.

[SuchAToDo]

Op if you had just ignored them when you heard the laughing it wouldn't have escalated to this level and caused such an embarrassing public scene...yes they are older and should know better, but as you said your self, your own son was generally getting in your nerves through lunch, and the people at tables around you didn't complain did they? I'm sure they felt like telling you to keep him quiet or under control but they didn't...

Op you brought that whole scene.on yourself, it could have been avoided by taking the higher ground and ignoring them, they are people you are never likely to.see again, why couldn't you just walk away

[missperegrinespeculiar]

no, sorry, but my 11 year old would not laugh at a younger child falling, and certainly would not keep laughing if he saw him crying, true, he might tease one of his mates who fell over as long as they were not hurt, and his mate would join in the joke, too, after falling. His friends are the same, generally kind and polite boys, nothing unique in my son!

clearly these boys are not being shown proper behaviour or being guided in reacting kindly and appropriately, probably not their fault, but unpleasant nevertheless

this said, you did overreact somewhat, I think!

[thornyhousewife]

You were totally unreasonable for starting on the kids without their parents being there.