I feel guilty. Need your good words.

United States
May 10, 2007 10:05pm CST
I have a neighbour and she had her kids at very yound age because of which she remains frustrated. Today she beated her 18 months old baby and he was crying ouside. I didnot talk to her and called her husband because I was scared of her anger. Her husband came from office early and reacted very badly to her. When I went he was busy in discussing this topic with his friends on phone angrily. After that I became very upset and went to the park with my hubby. My hubby told me that I shouldnot call her hubby. His suggestion was that if she is unfair to her child then I should talk to her even though she could react badly for instance but she might have heard me and this situation could be avoided. What is your suggestion?
3 responses
• India
11 May 07
Hi, IN my opinion u should n't interfare in personal matters in ur neighbour. u r Indian and u should know yaar. I am also against ur neighbour's bad activity, but in this world there r different people, some r bad nature and some r good, but can't change their mood/nature. U should ignore it. bye, Ajay
@Whisp1976 (488)
• United States
11 May 07
I think it is tough to suggest anything because I see two sides to this. One the one hand I understand why you were upset to see a child being beaten. Especially a child so young. On the other hand, perhaps you interfered, or at least she may see it that way. Do you know the circumstances behind it? For example, the child could have frightened her badly by climbing up high or pulling at a hot pan on the stove. I have to agree it would have been better to talk to her directly instead of calling her husband. Maybe you could wait a few days and go and apologize but express your concern over what you saw. Then again, I don't know how badly she was beating the child. If it could really be considered child abuse (you saw it, not me) perhaps you should contact social services.
@patgalca (18368)
• Orangeville, Ontario
11 May 07
I don't know what your relationship is with these people, and I don't know how badly the mother beat the child. But from the sounds of it, her husband has a temper too. The proper thing to do would have been to call the police. They were outside in public view so they would not have to know it was you who called. I know it is easy to say that but much harder to do. I have neighbours whose parenting techniques I find questionable, but I've kept my trap shut because they are my friends. I hope their kids turn out okay.