Children and Fighting

[Smiling JOe]

That situation sounds much better than one of the kids physically beating the crap out of the other. I wonder where the kid doing the taunting observes that behavior??? I would have corrected the kid, but I would be more concerned with what might be causing the behavior. It is likely that there is some major problems in his or her life, and this is just a regular outburst to draw attention. Wearing my Dr Phil or SuperNanny hat for a moment, and going on nothing more than you have stated, I'd say the kid doing the taunting needs some some quality one on one time with the parents and it is severely lacking. Also, it may be the kid is seeing this similar taunting behavior from adults who are in his or her life.

 

[ShallowsSquirt]

Yes, I believe you should, because basically, the little one is helpless.

I bet you could just yell very loudly "HEY, STOP THAT!!" :angry: and he'd do it.





And....if THAT doesn't work, then punch him in the face.
Lol. Jk.

But really, after that you could just ask the dad what in the world he's doing. Of course, then he might give you the whole "Don't tell me how to raise my kids" maneuver, but just roll off the punch and tell him he's not doing a very good job by letting that happen.

And if THAT, not even THAT works, then you might as well tell the youngest one to lift some weights. You'll have to explain it to him very solumnley, but give him a 10 lb. dumb-bell and I'm sure all of his problems will be over.

 

[Allifunn]

Yes, I believe you should, because basically, the little one is helpless.

I bet you could just yell very loudly "HEY, STOP THAT!!" :angry: and he'd do it.





And....if THAT doesn't work, then punch him in the face.
Lol. Jk.

But really, after that you could just ask the dad what in the world he's doing. Of course, then he might give you the whole "Don't tell me how to raise my kids" maneuver, but just roll off the punch and tell him he's not doing a very good job by letting that happen.

And if THAT, not even THAT works, then you might as well tell the youngest one to lift some weights. You'll have to explain it to him very solumnley, but give him a 10 lb. dumb-bell and I'm sure all of his problems will be over.

Seriously though, some of this is good advice. I also agree with SJ...the behavior may be a symptom of something far more grave.
It can be very touchy getting involved in a family situation...sadly. I hate to see abuse of any sort...chances are the bully is being abused in a similliar fashion.

Perhaps if you can say something to the child when parents are not around? Just be careful not to open up a can of worms, sounds like a therapist should get involved...

 

[Jdarg]

Jump up and grab the one being taunted, and remove them from the situation, saying something like "Come over here with me so I can tell you/show you about something really neat" or something along those lines. Every time the kids start up with this crap, remove the one that is the target, and give them the special attention. Don't give the nasty ones the time of day- they need to be shown that people who act like that do not make people to want to be around them.

 

[scooterbug44]

Separating or distracting the kids is a great idea - often ignoring the one who is the bully or giving special attention to the one getting picked on just makes the bully act out more because they want attention - which it seems they are not getting from their parents.

 

[Kyle]

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.

I think this is the part of the original post being ignored here. It was a SET of kids. In other words, it probablly wasn't just one kid doing all the bad acting. Also, what happened BEFORE the "taunting" took place? There are always 2 sides to every story. Maybe the little bro/sis was being a real jerk earlier and this was merely big bro/sis retaliating. Bottomline, unless there is physical harm being done, and/or you indeed DO know the whole story, mind your own business, or run the risk of looking like a mean old bat.

 

[KISH7374]

Years ago when our kids were young, I was known in the family as mean old Uncle Danno. If there was ever any problems, my brother in laws and sisters in law would scare their kids by saying that if they didn't behave they would call Uncle Danno to straighten them out. I am still refered to by that name but in a humorous tone by the now grown up kids. I could never keep my mouth closed in these situations. Sometimes it is a good thing but other times the parents didn't appreciate it.

 

[kathydwells]

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

I am really not mean.

 

[scooterbug44]

I very much doubt the kids or parents would think you were being mean as long as you are fair and don't overstep your bounds. Kids don't mind a little authority and rules, especially when they can see the reasons behind them.

I am always strict but fair and while I get some resistance at first, as soon as there is something that demonstrates to the kids that I have their best interests at heart and am not just making rules for fun they follow my rules - especially once they figure out they'll actually be allowed to have more fun that way.

 

[Kyle]

I am really not mean.

I'm sure your not, and I didn't mean to imply otherwise. I just always, when dealing with children, try to imagine how things look to them.
No worries.