What Would You Do?
Liv Tyler was in the news recently for publicly stepping in and calling out a mom/caregiver who was "hurting" her child. Now we don't know what the mom/caregiver did...a spanking or something more intense, but this brings up the question...what would you do in that situation?
Does it make a difference if it's a quick swat on the behind? Would you step in for that? Or would you step in at all even if that parent was hurting their child?
Some people may say they would be worried about their own safety as you never know what a person will do while upset or enraged. Some might say that it isn't their place to do anything...that that is a private family matter. Others might say you have a responsibility to step in and do something...be an advocate for that child. And a few others might even call the cops, but by the time they show up it may be too late for them to help.
Brian and I like to watch a show in the fall titled What Would You Do? It's amazing what people will allow to happen or even laugh about. Personally I would have to look at the severity of the situation to make a call. A quick swat on the behind...although not my favorite mode of discipline is not something I worry about. If the spanking is repetitive to me that's a problem. If it's a smack somewhere else that's a problem. I believe I would step in and say something. Some moms may just need a little cool down reminder as the job is a stressful one...and I'm sure only become more stressful as the kids get older.
Now for an even harder situation...what if the parent is yelling at the child? What if their are obscenities and a scene is being made, or threats are being made at the child? Would you do something then? I'm curious to hear your answers.