my husband's mother hit my kid

[Anonymous]

Not hard. My son was refusing to do something and giving her a hard time. She essentially spanked him on his leg. He didn't even cry- just yelled out "Ow! Don't hit me, Grammy!". I ran in from the other room and she admitted it right away. She said that she was really frustrated and apologized to both my son and me. I am SO angry but my husband is shrugging it off. He thinks I am being dramatic. I don't want her to babysit anymore. WWYD?

[Anonymous]

She would never ever babysit again.

And would be lucky if I didn't keep my kid from her forever.

She put her hands on a child that is a no go in my book.

Unacceptable period.

DH is an ass.

She got "frustrated" she leaves the room til she calms down.

[Anonymous]

Was it a swat or a true hit?

[Anonymous]

I actually think it's a good sign that she apologized to your kid. A lot of older people just think it's their right to hit kids. But since she said she was wrong I wouldn't put any "nevers" in place. Just keep an eye on her and make your expectations clear. Your DH has to have your back though, but in my experience DH's will put up with a lot for free childcare.

[Anonymous]

My European parents softly spanked my young son once. I was slapped and spanked as a kid (not that hard, but I didn't like slaps on the face AT ALL).

I told my parents to stop because in the 21st century this is not an acceptable form of punishment, and they did. At the time I had this conversation, I decided to not have them babysit until they could affirm they would not do it again. My son, who was 4-5, did not report any more physical punishment. They are not yellers, so there was never any verbal aggression.

[Anonymous]

I would give her a second chance, but not a third.

[Anonymous]

You got a rare thing. An elderly parent apology.

Take it and move on. Your husband is right.

[Anonymous]

I would accept the apology in the sense of forgiving her.

I wouldn’t let her babysit until kid is older and less likely to be trying. Young kids aren’t easy!

[Anonymous]

is she not your mother-in-law?

[Anonymous]

I'd forgive her the frustration, but I would also quietly remove her from the babysitter's list. She clearly is overwhelmed by his behavior and can't manage it. That's ok, but stop using her for sitting. Just invite her over for visits. Stay in the room. You don't even need to tell her you're doing this. Just...stop letting the babysitting happen.

When your kid gets older, she might be better able to handle him. But toddlers are tough.

[Anonymous]

Any child who was physically struck cannot ever grow up to be a normal, productive member of society.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd forgive her the frustration, but I would also quietly remove her from the babysitter's list. She clearly is overwhelmed by his behavior and can't manage it. That's ok, but stop using her for sitting. Just invite her over for visits. Stay in the room. You don't even need to tell her you're doing this. Just...stop letting the babysitting happen.

When your kid gets older, she might be better able to handle him. But toddlers are tough.

I agree. A confrontation here will benefit no one even though you are right. Honestly, just feel good that you got an apology. I’ve never heard the words “I’m sorry” come out of my mother’s mouth in her 76 years on this earth. It’s amazing she apologized.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any child who was physically struck cannot ever grow up to be a normal, productive member of society.

This. You are definitely NOT being dramatic about a swat on the leg. Tell that awful woman to save her apologies for when she’s visiting your ruined son in prison someday.

[Anonymous]

You do NOT hit my child because you are frustrated.

Grammy gets a long time out. Find another babysitter for a month or two and maybe consider going back to her after that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any child who was physically struck cannot ever grow up to be a normal, productive member of society.

This. You are definitely NOT being dramatic about a swat on the leg. Tell that awful woman to save her apologies for when she’s visiting your ruined son in prison someday.

Lol That was a troll.