Sometimes it’s great to stand up for the little guy. Especially when the little guy is a three year old little boy, right?
Recently, I was at church in the cry room with my son. I always stay in there with him because I’m not a huge fan of the antics that go down. You can see and hear the service from the cry room, so it’s alright. This particular Sunday there was a little boy back there with this lady who works in the cry room. I had seen her before. She’d always seemed aloof. The little boy came in with her to the cry room. I didn’t think anything of it. Then every time I looked up she was on his case about something. It was odd because the other teacher didn’t have any issues with him.
The other teacher asked the kids to go wash their hands to get ready for a snack. The three year old volunteered to help her. Well, the other “aloof” teacher, as usual, had missed this whole volunteer exchange and ordered the boy to sit down. He kept trying to explain to her that he was helping, but she kept talking over him and not listening. Then she threatened to call his parents. I’m thinking, “Whoa, that’s a bit much.”
Myself and another mother got really uncomfortable because we knew he had done nothing wrong. Well, “aloof” teacher got his mother and father on the phone and by this time the boy was hysterically crying and trying to explain himself. He pleaded with her to not make him talk to his parents. I could hardly sit still. I couldn’t stand to see this little boy get in trouble for simply trying to help. He talked to his parents and from his reaction – he was gonna get it. I offered to talk to his parents. (I know, all up in the business) He was, of course, scared to give me the phone. The other mother and I sat there crushed and heartbroken. When “aloof” teacher came back to get her phone from this crying little boy, I spoke up. Crazy? Possibly.
I told her that he had just offered to help the other teacher and that’s why he wasn’t sitting down. She maintained that she wanted him to sit down and he wasn’t listening to her. I thought, “Huh, is she serious?” I told her that I just didn’t want him to get in trouble for trying to help. She wasn’t moved. She went on to do something else. So when the other teacher appeared, the other mom and I stated our case to her. She was noticeably unmoved as all of this was going on. She kind of agreed with us and halfway acknowledged that she knew he hadn’t done anything wrong. Then she gave me a helpless look and said, “Well, she’s his grandmother.” What the??? I was shocked that “aloof” teacher was this child’s grandma! At that point, I told her I’d just be keeping my mouth shut. I felt all kinds of conflicted though. I knew he was going to be in big trouble for some nonsense, but it was his GRANDMA that set all this drama in motion. I guess sometimes it’s better to keep my trap shut.
Here’s hoping my choices don’t always bite me in the butt!
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17 Comments on Hot Topic Thursday: Shut it!
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Wow! I was not expecting that twist at the end of the story. I am convinced that some older people just get mean in their old age, they can’t help it. Hopefully, that little boy didn’t get punished too harshly…
The Chic SAHM recently posted…Summer’s Hottest Diaper Bag
This is truly sad and the reason why so many kids don’t speak up when other adults treat them badly. They’re use too it from family members.
Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha
Stesha recently posted…5 Things I’m Doing This Summer
Wow. Poor boy. I hope this is not the normal for him. Maybe grandma has resentment isssues with her child but acts out with her grandchild.
This Cookn’ Mom recently posted…the order
Sometimes all you can do is watch and shake your head
Even in church!
I think you should continue to speak up. It was awkward this time but the next time it may be needed.
You know grandparents come from a time when they did things differently and they don’t want to realize this is a new day and how they handled things when they were coming up may not be the best move now. Poor baby.
Mimi recently posted…fab’rik Vinings…#BloggersandBubbly
His Grandmother?? Poor boy! But you were still right to speak up.
Rose’s Daughter recently posted…When Potty Training Goes Wrong
That is so sad. What kind of lesson is he going to get from that? Poor baby.
Tiffany Morrison recently posted…Go Team Go
All I can say is wow and I just feel so bad for that little boy.
Jenni recently posted…How Do You Make Friends?
My jaw dropped as I read the end of that story. Unbelievable! Something must be really wrong with that grandma. My heart goes out to the little boy… You were right about standing up for the little darling…
I really feel sorry about that little guy. Sometimes, grandparents could act really strange, they just simple cannot handle their grandchildren because of the generational abyss between them.
Lena recently posted…Sorge fürs Sommer Baby
Cam, good for you for standing up for the 3 year old instead of sitting back and watching it happen, regardless of whether or not it was the child’s grandmother, he sounded like he needed someone to be on his side at that very moment. Its a shame when relative treat their own kin like that, I have the exact opposite issue with my mom she lets the toddler get away with everything!! 🙂
Nellie recently posted…I Unleashed the Power of Pinterest…
Why was I all in this story like a book! LOL!!
But I think you did the right thing by speaking up > BUT BUT BUT… I think you could have did it sooner before she called the parents and got them all involved. Because like you said he didn’t do anyhing wrong. I felt bad for him, who knows what was going through his head. Awwwwww smh. But grandma seems like a meany! LOL!
Keep speaking up. It doesn’t hurt anything
OAN I’ve only been to one church ( southside church of christ) where I could see and hear the sermon in the cry room. I wish all churches had this lol
Krissy recently posted…Friday Randomness
Okay…my grandmother is probably rolling over in her grave!! BUT I gotta say it, sometimes grandparents need to be put in check. Be sure to get out of the way first just in case they are “old school” like mine were….LOL
I think you did the right thing, there is a fine line between protecting children and minding your own business but I think you did good. 😉
Latorsha recently posted…Sugar Coated LIES
Sounds like your motives were in the right place and after all is said and done that’s what I think counts. Lot’s of people would have sat by and let this child be victimized and not said a word. I think it took guts to go with your instincts. The fact that she’s grandma does not change the fact that she was falsely accusing her grandson. Great story.
Saidah@AProverbsWife.com recently posted…God is for You
What a hot topic it is….Sometimes we really encounter this sort of situation and for me you just did a right action.
Elina Smirre recently posted…Try These Awesome Tips For A Great Smile
That is just so crazy? Poor kid! 🙁
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