I am devastated and don’t know what to do, I don’t know if I’ve over reacted or under-reacted or what to do next.
They were squabbling in the bedroom when I heard my 9yr old crying, I went in and he told me my 12yr old DS had strangled him. I was furious, so furious I couldn’t even shout or speak. I just told him to get out of my sight while I dealt with my 9yr old. He was ok, but did have a small redness that lasted about 5 minutes.
Once I had made sure he was ok I went to 12yr old DS and really lost it, I didn’t shout but I cried which I think was far worse for him. I told him that he could have killed his brother and that I couldn’t believe he would do something so awful. I told him he could be arrested and get into serious trouble. I basically scared the shit out of him, he was sobbing.
Once we had all calmed down I did explain that he wasn’t a bad kid but he did a bad thing and it can never ever happen again. We did all have a cuddle and they both went to bed calm.
What now though? Is what he did within the realms of normal or is it completely abnormal? As an isolated event do I let it go (obviously he has a punishment, no WiFi or gaming until after half term) or do I need to escalate? Have I traumatised him by getting so upset?
I just feel awful. 