Stepping in when parents are acting abusive towards their kids is at times challenging. Many avoid these situations because they fear retaliation by the parent, or prefer to take the path of least resistance by pretending it is none of their business or that it is not happening.
As a Professional Life Coach I understand the avoidance mindset, however when it comes to children, we must all shed our fear and excuses and stand up for those weakest among us, even if it requires putting yourself on the line in public.
As was the case last week in a Jamba Juice in Daly City. My family and I were grabbing a juice while out of the blue a mother hits her son in the head with what looked like a pamphlet or thin book. This bit of violence resulted from how her son was turning the pages in the recipe binder, which is out for the public to view while waiting for their drink.
The young boy had to be around 10-12 years old. From the look on his face, he appeared extremely humiliated, hurt and angry. Her action angered me just as much. I contained myself and approached her with humility and shared with her more effective ways of communicating with her son. The more we spoke the more angry and hostile she became, until finally she began hurling insults at me & my daughter.
I ignored her negative energy and kept to the topic. We eventually left. As we approached our car, a woman who watched this incident take place extended a smile of agreement, although she did or said nothing on behalf of the young boy.
You may find yourself in this situation one day. Take it upon yourself to be a true child's advocate and intervene when necessary. Although it is hard to tell, our species have evolved far beyond the need to resort to violence. After all this is one of the primary distinctions between humans and animals!
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