what would you do if you saw a rather intimidating and angry person abusing a little child in a store?

Question

Would you ask to help the person with their kid(offer to hold their child for a while)? or would you call security or the police, or what?
How do you honestly think, you would truly handle this problem?
(I have had this happen to me...I saw a huge lady with rage, scream at a little boy of about one or two...when he fell on the floor at Target..and the shopping cart fell on top of him!! You could have heard a pin drop...because nobody knew what exactly to do...I think we all wanted to save that child...and just run!! It was NOT a pretty picture!!! Next time, maybe I will step in,and not be in so much shock, or fear...(I still feel terrible, for that little one!)

I honestly took one look at that woman...who was belittling the little boy..and I just felt helpless...I didn't know WHAT to do...I was truthfully frightened,as I believe the target clerks were as well, and that poor little boy,...he was terribly frightened....(the "momma" in me(I am not a mom...but, I have been a nanny/preschoo teacher for many years) but, anyhow, the "momma" in me was very angry with this woman...and so hurt for this little guy...he was maybe only two at the most....he was put in an empty shopping cart...he had jumped up and down,and suddenly, the cart flipped right over and fell on top of him!!! God, was I frightened...I just cannot explain how scary that was at that time! (I personally think, that all of us DO come together, to care for everybody's kids...because as human's that is just the way that we are....isn't that wonderful?)

Answer 1

Honestly, I would probably ignore it. I would get security if I thought the child was going to be hurt. I wish that I was a strong enough person to step in and do something myself, and maybe one day I will be, but I couldn't do that right now!

Answer 2

That's a pretty awkward situation and it would most likely take a brave person to step up and advocate for this child. If you knew the person then you could make a report to your local Department of Social Services and Child Protective Services would decide on what to do with the situation... but in your case it seems like just a random person... so it's harder. You could ask if the child is okay and depending on your comfort level saying something to the extent of "I can see you're frustrated.. maybe you should walk away" or you tell a manager or security guard and maybe they could be of more assistance.

I've seen stuff like this before and it makes me SO ANGRY.

Answer 3

I'd tell the manager. You do NOT want to step in with an angry, belligerent, abusive person--be reasonable. If they abuse a child right in front of you, what do you think they'll do to YOU if you humiliate them by calling them on it?

The management can decide whether to call the cops or whatever. Part of being a manager is dealing with cr@ppy customers. It's up to the store to deal with people who make the shopping experience unpleasant for others (whether it's abuse or something else.)

But be wary of stepping in yourself. People who stomp on children's rights will stomp on yours, too. Don't make two victims!

Answer 4

I'd like to think I would step in...but like you say when it happens suddenly, you don't have time to think and then it's over.

I think if it was very aggressive I'd have no trouble in really asserting myself and calling the police if necessary....someone would have to stand up to that.

If it was clearly a stressed out parent who had over stepped the mark, I may offer to sit with the child while he/she carries on shopping...give them a break.

I always think that if there is some kind of violence taking place, say on a train or bus, be it adult or child, if EVERYONE stood up....what would they do then? We ALL need to get involved I reckon.

Answer 5

I would call security or the cops. If you have video options on your camera, then record it. Because what they this is violent may not same as what you think is

Answer 6

I honestly don't know what abuse is anymore. If someone spanks there child for doing something they shouldn't have done is that abuse, some people think so. so I'm not sure.

Answer 7

honestly i will surely go and take care of the child for a while...once the situation reduces its strength..i will calmly onvince the lady not to do this way forever.....