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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you say something?

133 replies

Sexnotgender · 17/07/2021 15:33

Walking with my dogs and children and saw a dad and I assume older sibling swinging 3/4 year old by her arms.

I mentioned in passing that it’s advised not to swing young children by their arms until at least 7 as there’s a risk of dislocation of elbows.

I try not to interfere with other people’s parenting generally but I would have hated them to accidentally hurt her.

Should I just have left them to it?

OP posts:
Comeondoit · 17/07/2021 15:35

God yes, butt out

cookiesandcreamm · 17/07/2021 15:35

Yep, no one needs to be told how to parent by another

WorraLiberty · 17/07/2021 15:36

What was their response?

YABU really. I would've bitten my tongue unless I knew them.

Nicknacky · 17/07/2021 15:36

I would have told you to fuck off if you had interfered like that.

Do you chap peoples doors and warn them of the dangers of drowning in the bath or falling down stairs?

Aquamarine1029 · 17/07/2021 15:37

Should I just have left them to it?

FFS, yes.

Original poster
Sexnotgender · 17/07/2021 15:38

@WorraLiberty

What was their response?

YABU really. I would've bitten my tongue unless I knew them.

He was really nice and thanked me and said he actually thought as he was doing it that it wasn’t a good idea.
OP posts:
SnowyPetals · 17/07/2021 15:38

If you had said that to me, you would have received my best breezy smile and a "thank you", giving you no opportunity for further comment, which of course everyone knows is polite parent speak for "I couldn't care less what you think, now butt out".

Comeondoit · 17/07/2021 15:38

Humouring the crazy person no doubt

JJSS123 · 17/07/2021 15:40

If you’d of made that comment to me I’d of said it’s certainly more dangerous to be walking dogs in this heat so keep your opinion to yourself.

supersonicginandtonic · 17/07/2021 15:40

I wouldn't have been as polite. How I parent my child has absolutely nothing to do with a nosey 🐄 in the park. Concentrate on your own children and I'll concentrate on mine 🙄

Original poster
Sexnotgender · 17/07/2021 15:41

@JJSS123

If you’d of made that comment to me I’d of said it’s certainly more dangerous to be walking dogs in this heat so keep your opinion to yourself.
It was about 16 degrees what on earth are you talking about?
OP posts:
WorraLiberty · 17/07/2021 15:41

He was really nice and thanked me and said he actually thought as he was doing it that it wasn’t a good idea.

That was lucky then. I'm not sure many other parents would've been so accommodating to the unsolicited advice.

Original poster
Sexnotgender · 17/07/2021 15:42

Ok I’ll not do it again. Lesson learned! Thats why I asked.

Was just trying to be nice.

OP posts:
Whiskycav · 17/07/2021 15:44

Did you also see a girl in a pretty white dress being told not to jump up and down.

Why are you asking this? You already did it, he thanked you. End of a very undramatic story.

Original poster
Sexnotgender · 17/07/2021 15:46

@Whiskycav

Did you also see a girl in a pretty white dress being told not to jump up and down.

Why are you asking this? You already did it, he thanked you. End of a very undramatic story.

And according to pretty much everyone I shouldn’t have said anything. I was asking if I’d made a mistake which I clearly have.

No idea about a girl? What are you on about?

OP posts:
Stompythedinosaur · 17/07/2021 15:46

Wow, I think you were really nosey! This is the same realm as going into another families garden to tell them about the dangers of trampolines.

RaindropsOnRosie · 17/07/2021 15:50

Wow, what an interesting thread.

Italiangreyhound · 17/07/2021 15:51

You were right to say something.

Original poster
Sexnotgender · 17/07/2021 15:53

@Italiangreyhound

You were right to say something.
You appear to be the only one who thinks this😂
OP posts:
Original poster
Sexnotgender · 17/07/2021 15:53

@RaindropsOnRosie

Wow, what an interesting thread.
Gosh and thank you for your excellent contribution!
OP posts:
Ingridla · 17/07/2021 15:55

@Whiskycav

Did you also see a girl in a pretty white dress being told not to jump up and down.

Why are you asking this? You already did it, he thanked you. End of a very undramatic story.

GrinGrinGrinGrin

flossletsfloss · 17/07/2021 15:56

🥱

MotionActivatedDog · 17/07/2021 15:56

When was this Op?

Original poster
Sexnotgender · 17/07/2021 15:57

@MotionActivatedDog

When was this Op?
A couple of days ago.
OP posts:
PinniGig · 17/07/2021 15:58

@Sexnotgender

Walking with my dogs and children and saw a dad and I assume older sibling swinging 3/4 year old by her arms.

I mentioned in passing that it’s advised not to swing young children by their arms until at least 7 as there’s a risk of dislocation of elbows.

I try not to interfere with other people’s parenting generally but I would have hated them to accidentally hurt her.

Should I just have left them to it?

Trying to weigh up how you “mention in passing” to a complete stranger and how you then follow up with “I try not to interfere with other people's parenting” Hmm

Not sure you try hard enough in all honesty but even still, you clearly don't manage it which will land you hard and fast in trouble if you're not careful.