Children and Fighting

[iwishiwasthere]

I had the experience of being with families and children this weekend. One particular set of kids seemed really mean. The oldest taunted the youngest until the youngest was in tears. Is this necessary? My girls are 8 years apart, so this was not an issue in our home. As the youngest of in my family, I remember being picked on unmercifully and hated every minute of it.

Should I say something or just sit there very uncomfortable. Typically I do not intervene,but this situation really bothers me.

 

[DuneAHH]

Were the parents present when this was happening between the children?

 

[iwishiwasthere]

Were the parents present when this was happening between the children?

Yes! Dad just ignored them, and Mom occassionally intervened.

 

[kathydwells]

I have a big mouth. I would have said something to the kids myself, and then dealt with the parents later if they had said something to me about saying something to the kids. I am around kids alot, and I always will speak my mind around them, and they all know it. I do not do it in a mean way, just a stern way. But, that is just me.

 

[iwishiwasthere]

I have a big mouth. I would have said something to the kids myself, and then dealt with the parents later if they had said something to me about saying something to the kids. I am around kids alot, and I always will speak my mind around them, and they all know it. I do not do it in a mean way, just a stern way. But, that is just me.

At one point I spoke up and used the excuse that my "teacher" personality slipped out.;-) Worked for a few minutes, but they still continued to abuse each other.

 

[scooterbug44]

Interefering w/ someone else's parenting is always dicey. I would say it depends on how well you know the kids. An older child making a younger one cry definitely crosses the line. My brother and I fought like cats & dogs, but it was give and take, not an older one being mean to a younger one.

 

[audie]

i would not have been able to keep my mouth shut (believe it or not). i hate when siblings fight, but maybe that's just me. there are 10 years between my sis and i, and we have never had cross words. ever.

 

[GoodWitch58]

were they abusing your (or someone else's) kids or were they siblings?

 

[Kyle]

I have a big mouth. I would have said something to the kids myself, and then dealt with the parents later if they had said something to me about saying something to the kids. I am around kids alot, and I always will speak my mind around them, and they all know it. I do not do it in a mean way, just a stern way. But, that is just me.

I'm sure the kids see it that way. :roll:

 

[iwishiwasthere]

Interefering w/ someone else's parenting is always dicey. I would say it depends on how well you know the kids. An older child making a younger one cry definitely crosses the line. My brother and I fought like cats & dogs, but it was give and take, not an older one being mean to a younger one.

That is what I feel as well. Siblings will disagree, but should not be abusive.

were they abusing your (or someone else's) kids or were they siblings?

Siblings and only one was abusing. The other child was defending himself.

Audie ....(my multiple quoting did not work) I doubt you would ever speak up;-)

I guess I think family is very important and hate to see that degree of fighting.