I worked a little today and decided to stop by Goodwill on my way back home. Wandered around a bit. My attention was caught by a young-ish dad (30s?) and his two little boys. One was about 3 or a little younger, sitting in the seat of the cart, and the other maybe 5. He was riding on the front of the cart. Both kids were talking constantly while their 'father' tried on some shirts.
He kept telling them to hush.
Be quiet.
Stop talking.
He got stern with them and threatened to 'beat their butts'.
Then he moved the cart a little and parked next to a display that included some fuzzy, furry jackets.
And said to the littlest one, "DO NOT TOUCH."
Well of course the little guy was curious and touched the fuzzy coat.
The dad turned around and saw him and slapped his arm.
It sounded like a pistol shot.
The little boy began crying.
He sounded utterly devastated.
I was standing right there next to them and couldn't control myself. I exclaimed, "Jesus Christ, Buddy!!"
He whirled around and glared at me.
Snarled, "Fuck off."
Turned away, pushing the cart, and left the store.
And after a moment of surprised quiet from most of the other people in the store, life just... went on.
I hope that little boy is okay. Slapping a child on the arm isn't considered abuse in this state, although it's a mean and shitty thing to do.
I still can't believe he parked that little boy next to something so tempting and expected him not to touch! He's a baby! That's what they do.
:(
What a piece of work.
Had a debate with someone over whether or not spanking is abuse and told, no, it isn't, because there's no documented evidence that it causes long-term harm. She considers smoking in the same house as one's kids abuse, though. My brain really hurt after that discussion.
ReplyDeleteBabies TOUCH. Toddlers TOUCH. Preschoolers TOUCH.
As I told hubby about things he doesn't want our daughter touching, "Move it or lose it." Simple as that. Remove the temptation, because removing HER from the temptation doesn't tend to last. She knows how to crawl right back to it.
Bad mom that I am, I laugh, because I know she's just a normal baby being, well, a normal baby. ;)
Yes. What an asshole. Personally, I'd let my kid stroke the jacket and say "It's soft, isn't it? Furry, like our kitties." Well, not if she had slimy hands or something, but if her hands were clean, why not?
That is, I was told by the other person that, no, spanking is NOT abuse (I think it is), because there's no documented evidence that it causes long-term harm.
DeleteThe thing that really gets me is that in Goodwill, EVERYONE touches stuff. It's GOODWILL!!!! There are people who use the toy section as a babysitter while they shop. I think that's a shitty idea, but the point is that it's okay to touch there. And the sound of that little boy crying just ripped out my heart.
DeleteSo long term harm is now a barometer, huh? Bizarre.
Stuff like that makes me want to cry.
ReplyDeleteYeah. Me too. :(
DeleteWhat a nutter. Someone will haul off and give him a good punch one day!
ReplyDeleteI thought about punching him myself. But I didn't want to die. He looked pretty tightly wound.... wouldn't want him to let loose. That poor little guy. :(
DeleteYep...what an ASS!
ReplyDeleteI still can't believe I saw that. And I wonder how awful that man is at home. :(
DeleteI have a conversation with a friend who manages the local nursing home about seeing people mistreat their elderly parents in public. She suggested intervening, not by chiding the child, but by distracting the parent. Walking up to the parent and just start talking to them, asking how they are doing and complement something.. It gives the abuser a time out and gently reminds them to watch themselves. I've never tried it with a child, bit I bet it could work.
ReplyDeleteGood point. I don't hope I ever see anything like that again, but will try to keep it in mind in case. That poor little boy.
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