To feel uncomfortable about MIL playfully slapping DD (11 months) on the hand?

[breezybree]

I can't work out whether this is a complete non issue or if it's something I should be concerned about.

I took 11 month old DD round to see MIL yesterday for a few hours. DD was really unsettled the whole time and cried every time MIL held her. As I was leaving I said lightheartedly, "sorry she was so grumpy today". MIL turned to DD (who I was holding) and said "yes, you've been very naughty today" and very lightly slapped her on her hand. I know that this was done in a playful way, but I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. It made me wonder if she was looking after DD and DD was a bit older, she may slap her harder. It's made me feel like I don't want to take DD there again. Just to add, in my culture, it is not uncommon to use slapping as a form of discipline (I don't agree with this at all)

DH thinks I'm being dramatic (and tbh I'm fully prepared to be told this on here too) but just wanted to get some outside views?

It probably was just a playful tap however if you felt uncomfortable then that's perfectly reasonable, its your child and you want to protect them. I would try to have a word with her if its playing on your mind - you could even try to bring it up in conversation e.g. Next time they're being fussy you could address it "I try to use (insert way you comfort them) as I don't agree with using smacking/slapping as a discipline". Hopefully them she will have a response so you can see her views on it and then elaborate and make it clear this is a no no. It is awkward though having to address things with MIL, could Dh not have a word? I had to have the whole no kissing baby convo and I was cringing the whole time but it's our jobs to keep them safe and I have a good relationship with the in laws.

Complete over reaction. It was done in fun and no harm or hurt caused.

You are being over dramatic, yes. Did she use corporal punishment on DH and any siblings?

I wouldn't go in all guns blazing (which I absolutely would if she'd actually smacked her) but I would have a word. Explain that you don't plan on using ANY physical chastisement at all, as you feel it is wrong - so you don't want DD given the idea that hitting is a legitimate response to "naughty" behaviour, even in jest. No need to make a loving grandma feel awful, but it's well worth politely insisting on your values from the start, imo. It will save genuine fall-outs later on.

First baby by any chance?

Sounds like it was just playful/ a joke. I wouldn’t read too much into it unless you’re concerned for other reasons.

You’ve said it was playful, why do you think a light slap will turn into harder slaps? Did she hit your partner when they were little?

This. Hitting in jest normalises, so you are wanting to swerve it is a perfectly acceptable point.

I know that this was done in a playful way
Then you know you're being unreasonable. Non issue..its play.

Precious first born? Complete over reaction.

If it was done in the way you describe then it’s a non-issue.

It would make me uncomfortable too, but I wouldn’t do anything.

Yabu but I know exactly how you feel as my mil did this to ds too. It will be fine!

Slapping/smacking playfully does not mean it will be done seriously, nor does it 'normalise' it.

@breezybree she was just being daft & playful, no need to 'do' or say anything.

you don't need to apologise for a baby being a baby either.

when I was little, I cried every-time one of my Aunties approached me. I think I smelt her desperation. She had 4 boys and wanted a girl so badly. I eventually grew out of it & we were close. MIL probably just needs to back off a bit & not be overwhelming.

Total overreaction.