I debated even posting this (it's been sitting in my drafts for 5 days as I've mulled it over). I decided to give you a condensed version, since I have had the chance to think it through more. Here you go:
Our little Emma got a shocking introduction to the painful realities of socializing. Last Sunday, another young child (about 2-3 years old) apparently felt the need to act out, and BIT poor Em on the cheek. I heard a bloodcurdling scream from my child, and when I picked her up to soothe her, I discovered teeth prints and a big red mark on her cheek. Emma was already exhausted, so she mercifully went to sleep almost immediately, having not yet napped that day. Another parent noticed the teeth marks, and said, "That's going to leave a bruise." (It did.)
I didn't say anything to the child's parent. I wish I had. But maybe it was for the best because I'm not sure I would have been gracious about it. Plus, what's done is done. It's not like the bite can be taken back.
Emma seems to have put it behind her. Today she had another chance to socialize with (different) children, and she seemed fine & not scared of anyone. Let's just MOVE ON.
Wow. I don't know what I would have done either!
ReplyDeleteIt would be hard to graciously tell another mother that her son is a biting twirp and bit my precious baby..... but I know if my kid were the biting twirp... I'd want to know, so I could file down it's teeth.
Tough situation.
I'm glad that Emma is safe and okay, and not having any repressed memories.
(Ohh.. bright side... maybe the repressed memories will come out when she's 16, and she'll stay away from boys! hehehehe... one can only hope)