But you know, Adorame brings up an excellent point. It simply did not occur to me to speak to the mother. Not having children of my own, I just assumed that the mother would bring the kid in line via her own method of discipline (which she did-just not as long as I thought it should have been). Maybe speaking to my friend might have been the way to go. I was not entirely comfortable with trying to tell my friend that her child should be disciplined in time out longer, or saying "Did you see that- who's in charge here?" But I could have said that I was upset, and don't want the dog to be injured, so could she keep the kid away from him, or I can put the dog in the house if she could not.
So there are two sides to every situation. I still stand by what I did. But I can see where I do things differently in the future, should another episode like this occur.
That's what I like about this place...we can agree to disagree, and see a lot of viewpoints. I did not intend for this to become about childrearing, but I can say that I learned something today, or at least got a different perspective.:)

Matthew I think you are an awesome person and wish I could meet you in person. I know in my heart you meant to do nothing wrong. I think I would have done the same as you if someone hurt my Murfee. Parents should take responsibility of teaching thier kids to behave properly and so many don't

If the mother of the toddler doesn't love him enough to teach him better then it is left to others (like you) to do so. Shame on her for being so negligent towards her child that she can't make the effort to teach him proper...no, essential....behavior.

I say...good for you!

Matthew, I took your comments and those of others as I believe they were meant:) and I don't believe anyone here was truly condoning the biting or beating of children.

But, since the issue has been brought up. In my experience, if a parent cannot control his/her own child to begin with anything you say to the parent falls on deaf ears. They won't suddenly learn how to parent because someone gives them a suggestion.

As far as what was learned? I believe the child learned that he better pay attention to the rules put forth by at least one adult.:D

First, I would like to say that two years old is my favorite age. When they are two, they are still in awe at the world around them and are just beginning to articulate well in relation to their world. Having said that, I feel the biggest thing here was that it was a kick. Not squeezing to hard or 'loving' too rough which is to be expected because they don't quite know how to express these things as gently as they need to. BUT.... a kick to anything denotes disrespect, even in a two year old.

I recently babysat for a friend so she and her husband could have a 'date night' and there were four of them. The youngest is two. While I was playing Uno with the older kids, the two year old went after my Sassy under the table. I didn't know this was going on until I heard Sassy yelp. The baby had pulled her hair and that is why she yelped.

It is fortunate that Sassy did not bite her in return for the pain, but this was not done as meanness....more a lack of not knowing how to treat animals as they have none. My reaction was to get under the table with them, give her a very firm NO and say sweetly 'you have to be easy with they puppy so you don't hurt her"....then take her little hands and stroke Sassy with them..."like this"....

If the action had been an abvious mean action, like a kick, then my reaction would have been very different. She would have gotten very strong words from me and put in a time out and NOT allowed out until she made apology to Sassy. Not that Sassy would have understood, but the two year old would have.

I love kids. I also love my Sassy. Respect needs to be taught at an early age and two is most definitely not too soon. Letting it go on will reinforce to the child that it is acceptable. I have rules in my house that apply to everyone...child and adult alike. One is that my animals must be treated with respect and kindness, no matter the age. All the time!

Mathew it is great to see you back here!! I am so happy Stanley is doing well in your loving care. I am so sorry for the incident with the toddler!!! Man! That would have driven me over the edge. You handled it well. Someone needed to talk to the toddler in a stern fashion, and you did!!!

I LOVE kids, but have no respect for adults that can;t teach them respect for helpless animals :(

I am in disbelief that a "child" that young would act so cruel. Shame on his mother for allowing this little monster to run free and act like that. :mad:

Didn't mean to offend anyone. I have three boys of my own and they were 2 and had their tantrums but some of today's kids are downright disrespectful and mean. UGGGG!!!!!!!! I feel better..:)