2 year old saying he will pull his knife on me?

Question

my 2 year old nephew spends one week with my mother,father, and brother. Then he goes to his dads,grandfather, and uncles house for a week. it is split custody. Recently he returned to my mothers house with the phrases
1 "I'll beat you"
2 "Ill bust your as*"
3."Ill get my belt on you"
4. "I'll hit you"
and he follows up hitting when he says this (he says it when he gets mad or in trouble).
He also started saying "I'll get my knife on you".

What would you do??? How would you go about asking his fathers side of the family what was the deal (without sounding to accusing). They do play a lot of video games but im thinking it is something more. you can tell that this child isnt physically abused? Advice anyone??

we have asked him who has the knife and he says that my sister does. He NEVER sees her! Im not saying that his other family are bad people, im just asking your opinions!!

Answer 1

"I'll get my belt on you" doesn't come from a video game - someone is saying it. He is repeating what he has heard. I think you have cause for concern. Next time he comes to you, check him over very carefully in the bath for bruises or any suspicious marks.

Next time he comes out with one of those comments, ask him in a conversational tone, "Where did you hear that?" Don't put words in his mouth, like, "Did Daddy say that?" , just let him tell you.

Lots of times, people who use that appalling language around toddlers really don't mean anything by it - they are just running their mouths with kids, like they do with everyone, everywhere. They may very well have no intention of following up their threats with any physical action. The trouble is, you have no way of knowing whether they will, and the fact that he is following up what he is saying with hitting is a cause for alarm.

At best, they are practicing an idiotic and ineffective way to raise children. At worst, he is being hit, or will be soon. Also, just the words they are using and the tone they are taking with him may be terrifying him.

As a related adult, you have a duty of protection toward him which I'm glad you are taking seriously. Don't get hung up on sounding accusing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with calling the other family on this nonsense. He is a two year old. His world is your house, and the other house. He is not getting this from your house. Repeat his words to them, tell him there is no way he is getting it from you, and ask them if they have any explanation.

Don't be afraid to stay on top of it. Also, start taking notes, dated on each page, of what he is saying and doing after he comes back, and when he is saying and doing it. If you see any suspicious marks on him, take pictures. This is very useful material for a social worker, if the situation continues to escalate and social services need to be called.

You are his protection and that is the first concern. If the other family is not at fault, they should be on the same side as you, as concerned as you and have his welfare strictly uppermost in their minds. If they are full of it and hiding something, they will be defensive and nasty to you. Their reaction to your question, asked in a nice way, will be a good indication of what is going on.

Answer 2

That is a tough one and since he is only 2 he doesn't know what he really is talking about. That is quite some language for a 2 year old. My son never talked to me like that when he was 2. It is coming from somewhere. I would sit him down and talk on his level where he is getting this from and from whom. Don't get mad at him, I would definately be concerned. You can tell physical abuse if there are bruises or cuts on them. I would check that out if I were you. Take him to the doctor as well and tell the doctor that he is saying these things at 2 years old and that you are concerned about the possible abuse that may go on. Unless the Video games are extremely Violent and the games say those kinds of things.

A typical 2 year old does not say those things. Seriously. If this does not stop then there will be serious consequences when he is older like getting him in trouble up to some prison time.

Answer 3

We had a similar experience last year with our daughter, only it was a pair of scissors, but the same intent. Check the school's policy against violence. Most schools have a zero tolerance policy and since the incident occured on the bus, it's still considered school property. I would pursue the incident with the principle and school board insisting the child be expelled, or at the very least suspended, and get some couseling. It sounds like he needs it. You may also want to have your daughter talk to the school couselor as well. Being bullied in such a violent manner can have lasting effects. I completely understand your and your husband's anger, but staying calm and insistent is your best strategy. Most schools will ask that you not tell other parents to prevent panic or worse, other parents insisting thier children need to "protect" themselves by bringing harmful objects to school. You may also want to check with the Sheriff's Office to see if you can get a restraining order against the child which would force the school to take more severe action. The child may be too young to be charged with a crime, but your daughter should not be subjected to the possibility of bodily harm no matter what the age of the agressor. Good luck!

Answer 4

Talk to the parents on the other side (the father's side), and ask the child where he has heard these phrases. If all else fails, call social services and have them do an investigation into what is going on when the child is with the father's family.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I would go to the county to see about getting my nephew some counseling. Let the counselor or at least his mother confront his dad's family about what is said and done around the child.

Answer 6

I can't tell you if he is physically abused, but he is being subjected to a very negative environment. You can't let him be taught those phrases... NOT for a baby!

I would tell them the 4 phrases and ask how he picked them up. If you don't get cooperation, I would tell them he can't come back because of a hostile environment. If you have to go to the Judge and tell the court... so be it.

Don't let that baby back in that house.

Answer 7

i'd contact child and family services immediately. a 2 year old child does not pick up things like that out of the blue...even with violent video games happening.

Answer 8

You might want to start keeping track of all this stuff. I would consider talking to child services about this. No child should be saying anything like that. If it were me I would do what I could to get full custody.

Answer 9

That is a bit serious stuff for a 2 year old don't beat around the bush ASK NOW!! A 2 year old should not for one be hearing stuff like that or saying it.... Don't be rude but you need to find out!!

Answer 10

this is a direct reflection of how he is being raised and the environment he is living in. Your sister needs to bring this fact up to the courts. Obviously the environment at this childs fathers house is not a safe place and he needs to be removed.