Would you challenge another parent's parenting?

[slizzy]

Hi
This stems from an incident I witnessed at my little girl's school. A (5 year old) boy in her class is very badly behaved and from witnessing the way he is treated by his mum in the playground, sadly it is no great surprise.

Yesterday afternoon I witnessed a man (presumably his father) pick him up at hometime and speak to him so horribly, it has left me thinking about it still 24 hours later. The little boy was sobbing quietly, and the man was swearing at him, speaking to him so nastily and dragging him along.

I know it is easy to make judgements when you don't know the whole story - and it's not like I have never raised my voice at my little ones, but this was awful.

I was sooooo tempted to ask him how he could speak to his child in this way, but something held me back.

Another mum suggested I could speak to the headmistress.

What do others think?
I just feel so sorry for that little boy.

x

Speak to the head. She will have background information into the family and will be able to make a referral to social services, if necessary.

I wouldn't confront the parents but you could speak to the school, or call NSPCC for advice

I think it won't help that little boy if you challenge his dad. He'll probably just be angry at you - and might take that anger out on his son.

I probably would talk to the head about it - I am sure that she is aware of the situation but it is still worth flagging.

The other, very small thing you can do is to take any natural opportunity to speak to the little boy in a human way, make proper eye contact, and show him reasonable behaviour from an adult.

"The other, very small thing you can do is to take any natural opportunity to speak to the little boy in a human way, make proper eye contact, and show him reasonable behaviour from an adult."

brilliant comment... so important

(and so for the boy)

Please phone NSPCC! Poor little boy, its so sad :(

I know a mum at local school who speaks to her children horribly. She doesn't care who hears her and in general language/the way she speaks is disgusting.
I once heard her saying to her 4yr old If you don't behave i will nut you.

Thanks for your messages.
I will talk to the headmistress tomorrow to tell her my concerns (Tortoise - I urge you to do the same - that is shocking).
Greeninkmama - you are right, I will keep this in mind.

Slizzy I think the school are probably aware of how she is. She makes no attempt to hide how she talks to her 3 Children. I might still have a word if i can.