Tuesday, December 30, 2008

My baby got bit


It's often hard when out in public to know how to react to an injury caused by another child. I'm sure all of us at some point have been in the position where our child was the one getting shoved down the slide or hit in the head for no apparent reason. To the same degree, I'm sure that all of us have been the mother of the offender and tried to apologize profusely for our own child's actions to only receive a cold glare or snide comment.

Let's face it. It's hard to know quite what to say or do in those situations.

Possibly the best response I've ever received was by a very humble mother and father at a McDonald's many years ago. For some reason their son had it out for Elizabeth and more than once chased her down to the ground. Mind you, I tend to be an observing kind of mom that doesn't jump up out of her seat every time someone cries. (Those who know me, I can hear you giggling right now.) But this time I actually left my Diet Coke and saved her life. Realizing what had happened, the parents together put on the child's shoes walked up to my table and said, "We are so sorry that our son has hurt your little girl. We are working on this and praying for him everyday. "

The parents didn't whine or make excuses or defend what had happened or force a half hearted apology. It was a simple statement that spoke volumes to me about how much these parents loved their son and the grace that we need to give eachother as fellow moms and dads.

Today at the library John was bitten by another two year old when their game got too rough. It wasn't a personal attack. It wasn't lack of parental supervision. It just happened. And rather than calling the police (as someone suggested), I pray that this mom was given the grace and encouragement she needs to keep on doing the good work of raising her son.

7 comments:

shay said...

Aw. So hard when that happens! It's actually worse to be the mom of the biter, trust me.
Have a Great New Years. God Bless!

Duckygirl said...

Poor guy! That's a hard situation for both parties. Sounds like you handle yourself well when things like this come up!

Happy New Year!
laura

Tisha Alexander said...

Wow, it looks like it hurts a lot. Poor guy. Happy New Year!

Heather L. said...

I'm so sorry for Baby John! How awful! I hope it heals quickly.

Saralyn said...

Ow. That looks like it hurts. As one who is the parent of a child with less than stellar self-control, I thank you for your graciousness.

Tisha Alexander said...

Monica

I got your comment on my blog and I thought I would respond to you here too. Just to make sure you get it! :)

I used to get the single packs at Target. I am sure you can get them most anywhere. They are sold in a package of 16. What the traveling groups have been doing is paying for the extra baggage and bringing large plastic totes (taped well) and filling them with 50lbs worth of formula. Does that help??

mindi said...

Ouch!! I'm so sorry - but you handled it with grace. The way that it should be done!!