Adults behaving badly

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May 16, 2012

Dear Sir,

Thank you for allowing me space to write an open letter to the mother or child caregiver who swore at my ten-year-old son today while he was playing at the Shelly Bay playground. During a game of “tag” with several of the children who were visiting the playground, her child fell on her knee and when my son went to check on her, the “adult” told my son to “shut up you little a****le”.

To the adult, I would like to say unfortunately, you left in such a hurry that I was unable to talk with you face-to-face. I am disgusted that you spoke to a child in that manner. We are trying to teach our children to respect others, help each other, be kind, and remember to use your words carefully. We tell them that you cannot take back words that are said even if you apologise afterwards.

Thanks very much for introducing my child to words that we do not use. Now I am left to explain to my son why you chose these hurtful words, which have had a profound impact on him.

It takes a village to raise a child. Life is not easy these days and our children grow up very quickly. Each person that they encounter has some impact on their life. I hope that you will think about your words before you speak them especially directly to a child.

THROUGH THE EARS OF A CHILD

Smith’s

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