Jo

I agree what he was doin was kinda wrong, but on the other hand he is only 6 and probably doesn't realise you are pregnant or how he could hurt you.

Basically what has just happened is a 6yr old has been given a slap for pretending to slap you!!! giving out wrong signals don't you think?

Don't get me wrong i do very occaisionally tap my children if I feel it is warrented but never for slapping each other or others and it is just confusing, saying its right for an adult but wrong for a child

Chel

I totally agree with that. The to hit or not to hit debate is big, long and messy... but... to slap a child as a punishment for slapping seems a little bit counter-productive to me.

At the same time, his behavior is totally out of control and something needs to be done, because that little bump is more important than anything else!

spelbound

To slap or not to slap. Age old question I'm afraid. I set out to never smack my daughter, and I still believe that smacking should only be used on rare ocassions - otherwise it just loses it's 'shock' factor. But a child needs to know when behaviour is unacceptable. Slapping someone's bump is def not acceptible and could quite easily have progressed to something more serious. Personally I dont think it warranted a slap as you are punishing a form of potential violence with more violence - ironic huh? But I wasnt there and im not the little boys mum or dad so its not my place to judge. Mum made a judgement call and thats the end of it.

Have to say though Suzan that it would have annoyed and freaked me out too. Lets hope he stops now.

Shri

At 6 years old they are old enough to know they are being naughty, but might not understand how important this particular thing is. A slap is not going to communicate the reason why this child must not bump your bump and it might be he keeps doing it because although he knows it is naughty he doesn't understand that it is serious - he can't think of the consequences because it is beyond his experience, so he needs to have it explained.

I had a little girl who is 6 where I work, who kept poking me and being a bit rough with me pretty much just for attention. She did not stop when I told her to and it carried on until I took her to one side and explained. I told her she had to be gentle because I have a baby in my belly and baby's get upset if they are pushed or bumped. I asked her if she would like to be poked or bumped all the time and she said no, of course and I said she wouldn't want to hurt a baby would she? Again, she said no. She understood.

Then I told her, it was all going to be ok, the baby is ok (I made sure she knew she had not caused any harm because I don't want her to psychologically damaged either!) and I am ok, but she must remember to be careful.

She had a bit of a cry and then never did it again.

Blob

Grrrrr.... that would have pissed the hell out of me

cheryl

I agree, i have a little boy who is nearly 6 and he is a little monster at times. The time out makes no difference what so ever, I don't agree with people who hurt there child but a little tap at times works.
Now it takes alot for me to smack, I have prabably only ever smaked about 10 times in his life, but there are times when they do need it.

Suzan I think you did the right thing letting his mum sort him out. I would have done the same, you have to protect your little one.
Luv Cheryl xxx