at a mother and toddler group. the kid was really aggressive with dd.

i spend my life at M&T groups and routinely see dd pushed and shoved and knocked and not a problem, all part of rough and tumble.

this time felt really different. dd is 19mo, the boy was three i reckon. i could see him pushing and shoving her to get to a box of playthings. next thing was him with his arm round her neck trying to force a plastic toy into her mouth. she struggled away and then he came down on the small of her back and when she was on the floor tried pushing the thing into her mouth again. it all felt very aggressive. really, i am quite laid back about these things normally.

i was really angry but i am fairly sure (oh please i hope so) that the boy did not see my anger when i spoke to him. i think i said "no. we do not put things in peoples' mouths. we do not hurt people." even tho i was not shouting or loud, it was quite a small room and i think loads of people saw it and it all felt like a bit of an incident.

i was really shook up and still am. i can't place my finger on why. i feel really embarased but i'm not sure why. i've never seen anyone tell anyone else's kid off. it was my first time at the group and feel like i was a bit of a crazy lady.

one of the people who run the group and was nearby apologised to me after but i can't remember exactly for what.

mum hadnt seen, like me she also had a little baby with her. i didnt talk to her after. just left as quick as i could cause felt weird. afterwards i thought maybe i shouldnt have said anything to the boy, but said something quietly to her. but maybe that would have been worse - ie i am worrying her and telling her to do something about him.

thoughts? <ducks and prepares for flaming>