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Dad Takes Heat For Standing Up To Neighborhood Bullies Who Threatened His 2-Year-Old
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Dad Takes Heat For Standing Up To Neighborhood Bullies Who Threatened His 2-Year-Old

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It’s no big news that some kids can be the meanest little creatures. Perhaps it’s because they’re impulsive or are not quite there yet in the empathy department – whatever it is, dealing with such behavior is a pain, especially if it’s someone else’s children.

This father knows exactly what it’s like to encounter a couple of 10-year-old monsters – however, when he told them off for trying to intimidate his daughter, instead of taking some action, their mother paid the man a house call and blasted him for “scaring her kids.”

More info: Reddit

Dad confronts neighborhood bullies who threatened his 2-year-old daughter

Image credits: meesh (not the actual photo)

Shortly after, he scolds them again upon seeing them pestering another kid at the park

Image credits: Enoch Leung (not the actual photo)

Image credits: freestocks.org (not the actual photo)

Image source: OrdosDeluxe

AITA for giving a neighbour’s bully kid two tellings off in the same evening?” – this web user took to one of Reddit’s most judgmental communities, asking its members if he’s indeed a jerk for scolding some 10-year-old bullies. The post managed to garner 11K upvotes as well as 794 comments discussing the situation.

Everybody knows that being an adult is a hell of a job. Never-ending pressure and countless financial obligations – you basically have to rely on yourself and yourself only. 

However, have you ever considered how difficult it is to be a kid too? 

With time and all the responsibilities clouding our minds, we tend to forget that being a child doesn’t always equal carefreeness. 

Yes, back then, we didn’t have to worry about money and paying the bills; we had long summer holidays and only cared about hanging out with our mates – all of this is great, of course, but it doesn’t mean that we never faced any challenges.  

Now, a number one problem that affects many children, if not all, is bullying. I mean, there’s a good chance you, too, knew a bully who tormented every kid who dared to cross their path. But to give you a more illustrative example, a piece from DoSomething, one of the largest nonprofits exclusively for young people and social change, discovered that in the US, 1 in 5 students aged 12-18 had been bullied during the school year. 

According to experts, there are many different causes for why kids bully one another. Maybe a lack of attention at home is to blame; some might also use it to gain “popularity” at school, while others become so-called aggressors after being the target of or witnessing bullying – it could be anything, really, and since it’s not something that can be avoided, it’s important for parents to stand up and do all within their power to lessen the damage it may do to their offspring. 

He eventually gets blasted by their mom who pays him a house call and screams at him for “scaring her kids”

Image credits: Enoch Leung (not the actual photo)

The star of today’s article, a father of a 2-year-old, recently faced bullying in action. 

The thing is, he and his daughter went out for a walk around the block so she could try her new scooter out when they encountered a couple of local bullies who demanded the girl get off the street and not come out until instructed otherwise. 

Needless to say, the man was taken aback by the statements, immediately intervened, and age-appropriately told the hooligans off. The family then went their way – however, later in the park, u/OrdosDeluxe noticed the same bunch of boys terrorizing another girl who, it seemed, was already familiar with their antics. 

The netizen made his way straight to the bullies and told them off once again; the girl thanked him for getting them off her back, and they all went their separate ways. 

But, surprise, surprise, the story didn’t end there. 

The boys, of course, made sure to note which house the author went into, and shortly after their rather eventful walk, he got a phone call from their raging mother, who, instead of educating her children, lashed out at her neighbor for allegedly “scaring her kids.” 

The father took none of it and clearly expressed how he felt about her son intimidating toddlers and girls, but he was then met with a threat, with the woman stating that “this wasn’t over.”

Fortunately, though, it was over, as the mother never contacted the house again – but the original poster did get reprimanded by his wife for taking things a little too far.

What do you think about this, though? Do you agree with the author’s approach, or would you do things differently? 

Fellow online community members shared their thoughts and opinions on the matter

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mayacilliers avatar
M Cilliers
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. If they behave like this with a parent / adult present, what happens when they find a victim on their own?

christinekuhn avatar
Ael
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It shouldn't be a question if we should help those harassed by others. Not criticising OP but a society who gives them the feeling they'd do anything wrong by stepping in.

rodfergie avatar
Roddfergg
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My wife would have been out the door, going after the "mom" who let's her son bully her little girl.

abrova avatar
GV Martinez-Williams
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother would have definitely gone and beaten the hell out of both the kids and their mother. Yeah, she would go to jail but she wouldn't care.

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tyranamar avatar
Tyranamar Seuss
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. "It takes a village." I'm old- Gen X. But back in my day if any of us were being little shits any parent could step in and scold. I was putting a muddy plank in a mailbox one day (who knows why)? And a neighbor came out and chastised me. I stopped doing that. Once I ran in front of a car on a busy street. It was a neighbor. She grabbed me, put me in the car, drove me home, and told my mom. Never did that again. These kids are turning into bullies. Like going to go to jail when they grow up bullies. Mom should be thanking this guy. And wife should be backing him up.

rosieetike avatar
Tyke
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If a man was harassing a woman no-one would question him standing in. Why would he not do it simply because they're unattended kids

hea_c avatar
StrangeOne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. I would take what the mom said as a threat and have the police speak to her and her son. Encountered parents like this before.

basilsas avatar
shaunlee avatar
SheamusFanFrom1987
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a rhetorical question here: Why would OP think he's an AH for standing up for those kids that didn't have a voice yet and getting in their sh*tbag excuse of a mother's face when she tried to defend her little monsters' actions??? Instead of an AH, he's the stand-up guy that these kids need. As for those little monsters and their sh*tbag mother, not so tough when the bullied rally back now, huh???!!! Smh!!!

laurahelario avatar
Squirrelly Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

His own wife told him he took it too far. That'd be enough for most people to question their actions. Threatening to take away the bikes *might* be a bit too far, but not anywhere near AH territory. What a commenter said about being ready to record any future interactions is a good idea.

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nraeanderson avatar
D'oh Rae is Me
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's troublesome that this kid seems to pick on little girls. Seems like there may be some misogyny heaped on to the s****y parenting.

quelmar9 avatar
Rocky
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very much so. Sends a creepy and scared vibe to think how they're going to go forward in life. Especially with what the little girl said to them before the man stepped in

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omboyganesh avatar
OmBoyGanesh
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pull out that phone and record their behavior. As long as you’re recording just that. Same thing happened on my moms block, with a park across the street. 3 little shît terrorists between 9-12. Parents were defending their bully boys. A neighbor recorded them bullying kids and chasing a girl on the grass trying to lift up her dress. He yelled at them , scolded them and called the cops. Cops took statement & spoke to the parents. Nothing happened. So he posted the video on YouTube, put links up on Nextdoor then printed flyers with a screencap and warning with the shortened YouTube link. Must have put flyers up on every free surface. Was the talk of the hood for while until bully family was evicted. Who knows why they were, but they were.

stargal avatar
Silre
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This kid did that with a parent standing right there?!

kbuchanan111072 avatar
Kimberly Buchanan Fisanick
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They needed someone to put boundaries in place and to hold them responsible. They knew what they were doing was wrong. If not they wouldn't had told their mother, he scared them. They probably get away with everything, not held responsible for their actions and probably not a happy home life. They need to be not respect, morals, values and being responsible for their actuons

maiseymyles avatar
Maisey Myles
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Def not the AH. He was not scolding someone else's kids but protecting his daughter. The scariest part is these brats had the gall to do this in front of the parent. Most kids would be on their best behavior in front of adults. Imagine what they'd do or say when no one was close by. And, that the boys' parents don't care what they do as long as they're not "yelled at"

libstak avatar
Libstak
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So bully kids went wee wee wee all the way home and cried to mamma? He needs to let them know they are fake little sooks, embarrass some sense into them next time he sees them.

barbaracass avatar
Queenie G
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA - My boys were in the 2nd grade and were targeted by a group of 5th graders. I didn't know it was happening. I left work early one day to surprise the boys after school. As I drove around to the pick up area I saw both of my boys pinned to the side of a car by a group of 7 or 8 boys. One of them was slapping my quietest boy. I saw red! I jumped from my car running at these little monsters like they were a pack of dogs. The leader of the pack has the audacity to try and face me down. I asked him, calmly, where he lived and he wanted to know why. I said "So I can go kick your parents a*s. I am guessing they are bullies too since they seem to be raising a bully." Not my best day but damn I was mad. The up side is the bullies were scared to death of me after that and never bothered my sons again.

quelmar9 avatar
Rocky
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, so much rage. NTA for sure and people who think you're "going too far" at speaking up for two very vulnerable beings against future "men" is the very reason why we have problems in our society. Just, so gross. I'd say so much more if a boy had the audacity to speak to my almost 3 yr old like that.

rachelreynolds avatar
Rachel Reynolds
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. and he showed way more restraint than I would have, especially vs. the mom.

marianchiara avatar
Marian Chiara
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that those who are bullies at home take that poor behavior with them into the world. They are belittled and seek power over others to regain power play. Obviously they pick on those who do not have the ability to fight back. Dad's intervention is appropriate. Instead of tell the mother who confronted these two, I might have explained simply that they bullied younger children and "I wondered who is causing them harm, your aggressive behavior gives me a hint as to where they get this behavior. ". Go home and work with your children. And shut the door. Done. Modeling the way to stand up, not stand by idle is the message for his wife. NTA

artbound7 avatar
Shannon Stephens
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA He should have shamed that mom when she came to the door. If it was me I would go around the neighborhood making sure every parent know that those parents are allowing their preteen to bully toddlers and young girls. Public shaming might be frowned upon by some but it is a very effective form of punishment.

sarawilson_2 avatar
Sara Wilson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This dad is great! If the other girl was my daughter and I found out what he did, I would bake him some cookies!

juniorcj82 avatar
JuniorCJ82
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If they don't respect the word no this early in life, they're going to be nightmares as adults.

marleinakh avatar
Marleina Hershberg
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why tF are 10 year old boys preying on little girls many years younger than they are???

hannahtaylor_2 avatar
DarkViolet
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because they are being carefully taught that they can, mostly by their parents not shutting down their behavior. It's only a matter of time before those junior thugs will end up in court, being tried as adults for the rape/murder of a preschooler.

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kristi_9 avatar
Kristi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA but a little bit of a door mat.. you have every right to protect your 2yo from anything foreign(neighbors) and domestic(wife).. you should have screamed back at her in a full throat yell. And then threaten to call the police if she or her poorly raised bully ever harass either of you again... sounds like those kids are going to grow up and become worse than just bullies if her Karen of a mom refuses to reign them in.. and for your wife thinking you went to far? Remind her of all the horrible parents, not just dads, that dont do enough to protect their kids... especially in our times of mass shootings for innocuous mistakes.. you can't do enough to protect your child.. shame on your wife for making you feel like you might be an AH. Ty for being a good father/protector.

duschkev avatar
PolymathNecromancer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not countering what you say, but as a yeller myself froma long line of yellers, I don't think this guy was a doormat in any way. He showed restraint and focused power every step of the way. Yellers are often (usually) dismissed as unhinged, which likely won't happen here.

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basilsas avatar
Basil Sas
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Threaten my loved ones and i dont give a s**t what age the perp is. The punk and his spawn b***h are going down....

campasheck avatar
SkekVi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA at all. That's terrifying. Kids grow up and if they never get resistance those nasty childhood habits become a sense that they're entitled to assault and harrass and abuse. You have to teach kids things, it takes a village etc.

duschkev avatar
PolymathNecromancer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes........ MANY folks in this world need to learn that FrEeDoM is NOT the freedom to SHÌT ON other folks.....

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boredpandasucksbigtime avatar
A B C the Third
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is that even a question, and what the f*ck is wrong with OP's wife??

sootyandspock avatar
vogonpoet
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If my 10 year old bullied a toddler and the toddler's parents told him off, well. I'd phone said toddler's parents, arrange to meet, and have my kid lectured about bullying and make him apologize. Fortunately my son is a gem with toddler's. He likes to help them at playgrounds because older kids did the same for him when he was learning how to ride his scooter. These high school boys just took him under their wing and made sure he was safe. He learned some colourful language however.

gm_4 avatar
G M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Handled extremely well other than telling their mom her kids are pieces of s**t. They are but that was only going to set her off. I imagine the father is exaggerating that part, but calmly relaying what happened is the best approach. If the mom still does listen, then you tell her her kids are pieces of s**t … like her.

idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have gone full Eurlich on them from Silicon Valley when the neighborhood boys bullied Richard.

jay_weigel avatar
Jay Weigel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree wholeheartedly, and their mother could use a few sharp words too!

beccakuehn avatar
Becca Kuehn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OP is definitely not the AH! He was being a responsible adult by protecting his daughter and the other little girl from bullies! My husband and I would have done the same thing if we were in a situation like that. We have 7 children, 5 grandchildren, plus 4 children who we refer to as our 'bonus grandchildren'. We would hope that an adult one of them being bullied they would be kind enough to help. I'm aware that the odds are pretty slim that OP will see my comment, but I hope he does because I want to tell him, "Thank you for protecting not only his child but also the other little girl who was being bullied.

shead26 avatar
Steve
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You need to get the cops involved and the UK equivalent of Child Protective Services. Not against the kids, but the parents. Clearly they've been teaching their kids that doing these things are ok, if not good.

scottiebass2112 avatar
whatever
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Typical "My kid can never do wrong..." idiot parent. I would have told that brat's mother that next time he does that I'll be hitting her over the head with her own kid....

abigor avatar
Cyber Returns
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA! Go round to their house and scream at the mom that if she doesn't sort her little b*stard out, you are calling the police and reporting her and if you see her kids bully your or any other kid in the area again, now that you know where she lives, you will tell the rest of the parents where to find her, and she can expect more visitors who probably won't be so polite. Hopefully the prospect of a random parent turning up and knocking her out will make her sort her kids out

celeryg avatar
celery g
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

when kids are not taught kindness, consideration, and f*****g boundaries, you get little shits like that! I was never shy about setting kids straight and never cared if someone had an issue with it!

cjackson_1 avatar
CC Boom
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kid is an a*****e to mine? I'm gonna be an a*****e right back. Bullies are bullies and the moms probably a b***h too

adinaisme avatar
AndThenICommented
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would report them to the police just to finish off the threat. Film them if seen again. As Sarra R said, even young kids are capable of horrific things and you can’t be too sure. At least it might send a message to the mother.

sabrinapandoo avatar
Nina
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a SoCal services issue. if you're in the UK, I do hope you reported the b***h and her shits for teroizing little girls. Thats jamie Bulger type aggression and the police will be all over those shits.

ahmadpujianto avatar
The Cute Cat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once I ever step on to a boy that grab other boy collar and ready to hit. Some kid have bad temper and need a good warning. Hope they could learn

black-adder avatar
Miki
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hanging on nearby street lamp would be going to far. Anything else is fine.

lorenpechtel_1 avatar
Loren Pechtel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Video, and if anything happens remotely police-worthy get them involved directly rather than even trying to talk to the parents. You're pretty much describing the kids next door when I was growing up (although the parents would discipline them for any infractions **they** saw, but they wouldn't believe their angels were in the wrong otherwise.) Last I knew they had spent most of their adult life behind bars.

stan-mcconnell59 avatar
Givemeabreak101
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was a boy the neighbors would kick my butt if I got out of line then dad would do it again.

dmp1966 avatar
Dawn Perkins
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA the mom was. It is a shame she is ok with her son treating toddlers n girls like that. That kid has major problems-one being his mother's behavior! He will probably grow up to abuse women... could even be being abused himself. More patents need to teach their kids to behave right & not defend them when they are hurting others. Main problem in schools these days.

kenbeattie avatar
Ken Beattie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My initial thought was "You know where they get it from". But to be fair to the Mum, they could have told her a bunch of lies about that awful man who threatened them for no good reason. Any mum would get upset and confront the guy as a result.

wellshellabxt avatar
Shellita
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just do what my ex husband used to do. If a kid was bullying our autistic son, my ex would knock on the door, and tell the dad that he was going to do to him what his son was doing to our son. All the bullying quickly stopped. Those kids were friendly as could be.

jennyjames avatar
Papa Patata
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have done far worst. These people grow up to be pieces of s**t that terrorize and traumatize others of they're not stopped.

aljoy avatar
Al Joy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It takes a village to raise kids. This man is part of the village.

juliechute avatar
Hoodoo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA & thank you. One of m' kids was once bullied & harrassed by a group of "mean girls" that were audacious enough to ring the house, be smart to me, & come to the front o' the house. Speakin to their parents was a complete waste of time (go figure.) I was walking behind my kids on a sidewalk going into a school function when lo & behold here comes one of the bullies & she sshoulder- shoved m' kid right in front o'me ( she'd never seen me.) I took two steps, grabbed her neck & slammed her down on the grass. She was absolutely shocked, crying & her mum just stood there w/ her mouth hanging open. I told her that either she handle this problem or I would. Problem solved...

jaredrobinson avatar
Jared Robinson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

doesn't sound like you were being an ahole if this is how it went.

arianahale avatar
AspieGirl88
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly?? You are absolutely NOT in the wrong here. Those boys are lucky they only got scolded, because there are people out there who don’t take kindly to intimidation of their children & will do worse than scold them. But they’re going to end up in trouble with the police one day, if the so-called “mother” continues to let her crotch-goblins run rampant & it’s almost guaranteed that they’ll become deadly criminals someday. Someone has to step in & take charge of those little hellions, if the Mega-Karen is incapable of disciplining an unruly child (though really, she never should’ve spawned in the first place, if she won’t even take responsibility). You had every right to protect your own child & even though that other girl wasn’t yours to protect, I’m sure her parents would’ve appreciated you stepping in to defend her from those bully boys. Also, having seen cases like the James Bulger murder? Obviously we can’t let that sort of behaviour slide. 😕🤷‍♀️

ajurinak avatar
-Mellohi-
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This guy did the right thing and it was very calm. My parents on the other hand would belittle the hell out of the mother of the bully.

maiseymyles avatar
maiseymyles avatar
Maisey Myles
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd ask some big high school football players to hang around the park and scare the c**p out of them. A little dose of their own medicine. I am so passive-aggressive!!

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etcavanagh avatar
Zobi123
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think this is real. It's just so improbable that a kid would bully a two-year old in front of the child's father.

tuckerspall avatar
Tucker Spall
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well if they never faced punishment from their parents they probably think all parents wouldn't care.

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mayacilliers avatar
M Cilliers
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. If they behave like this with a parent / adult present, what happens when they find a victim on their own?

christinekuhn avatar
Ael
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It shouldn't be a question if we should help those harassed by others. Not criticising OP but a society who gives them the feeling they'd do anything wrong by stepping in.

rodfergie avatar
Roddfergg
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My wife would have been out the door, going after the "mom" who let's her son bully her little girl.

abrova avatar
GV Martinez-Williams
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother would have definitely gone and beaten the hell out of both the kids and their mother. Yeah, she would go to jail but she wouldn't care.

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tyranamar avatar
Tyranamar Seuss
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. "It takes a village." I'm old- Gen X. But back in my day if any of us were being little shits any parent could step in and scold. I was putting a muddy plank in a mailbox one day (who knows why)? And a neighbor came out and chastised me. I stopped doing that. Once I ran in front of a car on a busy street. It was a neighbor. She grabbed me, put me in the car, drove me home, and told my mom. Never did that again. These kids are turning into bullies. Like going to go to jail when they grow up bullies. Mom should be thanking this guy. And wife should be backing him up.

rosieetike avatar
Tyke
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If a man was harassing a woman no-one would question him standing in. Why would he not do it simply because they're unattended kids

hea_c avatar
StrangeOne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. I would take what the mom said as a threat and have the police speak to her and her son. Encountered parents like this before.

basilsas avatar
shaunlee avatar
SheamusFanFrom1987
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a rhetorical question here: Why would OP think he's an AH for standing up for those kids that didn't have a voice yet and getting in their sh*tbag excuse of a mother's face when she tried to defend her little monsters' actions??? Instead of an AH, he's the stand-up guy that these kids need. As for those little monsters and their sh*tbag mother, not so tough when the bullied rally back now, huh???!!! Smh!!!

laurahelario avatar
Squirrelly Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

His own wife told him he took it too far. That'd be enough for most people to question their actions. Threatening to take away the bikes *might* be a bit too far, but not anywhere near AH territory. What a commenter said about being ready to record any future interactions is a good idea.

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nraeanderson avatar
D'oh Rae is Me
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's troublesome that this kid seems to pick on little girls. Seems like there may be some misogyny heaped on to the s****y parenting.

quelmar9 avatar
Rocky
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very much so. Sends a creepy and scared vibe to think how they're going to go forward in life. Especially with what the little girl said to them before the man stepped in

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omboyganesh avatar
OmBoyGanesh
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pull out that phone and record their behavior. As long as you’re recording just that. Same thing happened on my moms block, with a park across the street. 3 little shît terrorists between 9-12. Parents were defending their bully boys. A neighbor recorded them bullying kids and chasing a girl on the grass trying to lift up her dress. He yelled at them , scolded them and called the cops. Cops took statement & spoke to the parents. Nothing happened. So he posted the video on YouTube, put links up on Nextdoor then printed flyers with a screencap and warning with the shortened YouTube link. Must have put flyers up on every free surface. Was the talk of the hood for while until bully family was evicted. Who knows why they were, but they were.

stargal avatar
Silre
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This kid did that with a parent standing right there?!

kbuchanan111072 avatar
Kimberly Buchanan Fisanick
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They needed someone to put boundaries in place and to hold them responsible. They knew what they were doing was wrong. If not they wouldn't had told their mother, he scared them. They probably get away with everything, not held responsible for their actions and probably not a happy home life. They need to be not respect, morals, values and being responsible for their actuons

maiseymyles avatar
Maisey Myles
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Def not the AH. He was not scolding someone else's kids but protecting his daughter. The scariest part is these brats had the gall to do this in front of the parent. Most kids would be on their best behavior in front of adults. Imagine what they'd do or say when no one was close by. And, that the boys' parents don't care what they do as long as they're not "yelled at"

libstak avatar
Libstak
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So bully kids went wee wee wee all the way home and cried to mamma? He needs to let them know they are fake little sooks, embarrass some sense into them next time he sees them.

barbaracass avatar
Queenie G
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA - My boys were in the 2nd grade and were targeted by a group of 5th graders. I didn't know it was happening. I left work early one day to surprise the boys after school. As I drove around to the pick up area I saw both of my boys pinned to the side of a car by a group of 7 or 8 boys. One of them was slapping my quietest boy. I saw red! I jumped from my car running at these little monsters like they were a pack of dogs. The leader of the pack has the audacity to try and face me down. I asked him, calmly, where he lived and he wanted to know why. I said "So I can go kick your parents a*s. I am guessing they are bullies too since they seem to be raising a bully." Not my best day but damn I was mad. The up side is the bullies were scared to death of me after that and never bothered my sons again.

quelmar9 avatar
Rocky
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, so much rage. NTA for sure and people who think you're "going too far" at speaking up for two very vulnerable beings against future "men" is the very reason why we have problems in our society. Just, so gross. I'd say so much more if a boy had the audacity to speak to my almost 3 yr old like that.

rachelreynolds avatar
Rachel Reynolds
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. and he showed way more restraint than I would have, especially vs. the mom.

marianchiara avatar
Marian Chiara
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that those who are bullies at home take that poor behavior with them into the world. They are belittled and seek power over others to regain power play. Obviously they pick on those who do not have the ability to fight back. Dad's intervention is appropriate. Instead of tell the mother who confronted these two, I might have explained simply that they bullied younger children and "I wondered who is causing them harm, your aggressive behavior gives me a hint as to where they get this behavior. ". Go home and work with your children. And shut the door. Done. Modeling the way to stand up, not stand by idle is the message for his wife. NTA

artbound7 avatar
Shannon Stephens
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA He should have shamed that mom when she came to the door. If it was me I would go around the neighborhood making sure every parent know that those parents are allowing their preteen to bully toddlers and young girls. Public shaming might be frowned upon by some but it is a very effective form of punishment.

sarawilson_2 avatar
Sara Wilson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This dad is great! If the other girl was my daughter and I found out what he did, I would bake him some cookies!

juniorcj82 avatar
JuniorCJ82
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If they don't respect the word no this early in life, they're going to be nightmares as adults.

marleinakh avatar
Marleina Hershberg
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why tF are 10 year old boys preying on little girls many years younger than they are???

hannahtaylor_2 avatar
DarkViolet
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because they are being carefully taught that they can, mostly by their parents not shutting down their behavior. It's only a matter of time before those junior thugs will end up in court, being tried as adults for the rape/murder of a preschooler.

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kristi_9 avatar
Kristi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA but a little bit of a door mat.. you have every right to protect your 2yo from anything foreign(neighbors) and domestic(wife).. you should have screamed back at her in a full throat yell. And then threaten to call the police if she or her poorly raised bully ever harass either of you again... sounds like those kids are going to grow up and become worse than just bullies if her Karen of a mom refuses to reign them in.. and for your wife thinking you went to far? Remind her of all the horrible parents, not just dads, that dont do enough to protect their kids... especially in our times of mass shootings for innocuous mistakes.. you can't do enough to protect your child.. shame on your wife for making you feel like you might be an AH. Ty for being a good father/protector.

duschkev avatar
PolymathNecromancer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not countering what you say, but as a yeller myself froma long line of yellers, I don't think this guy was a doormat in any way. He showed restraint and focused power every step of the way. Yellers are often (usually) dismissed as unhinged, which likely won't happen here.

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basilsas avatar
Basil Sas
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Threaten my loved ones and i dont give a s**t what age the perp is. The punk and his spawn b***h are going down....

campasheck avatar
SkekVi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA at all. That's terrifying. Kids grow up and if they never get resistance those nasty childhood habits become a sense that they're entitled to assault and harrass and abuse. You have to teach kids things, it takes a village etc.

duschkev avatar
PolymathNecromancer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes........ MANY folks in this world need to learn that FrEeDoM is NOT the freedom to SHÌT ON other folks.....

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boredpandasucksbigtime avatar
A B C the Third
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is that even a question, and what the f*ck is wrong with OP's wife??

sootyandspock avatar
vogonpoet
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If my 10 year old bullied a toddler and the toddler's parents told him off, well. I'd phone said toddler's parents, arrange to meet, and have my kid lectured about bullying and make him apologize. Fortunately my son is a gem with toddler's. He likes to help them at playgrounds because older kids did the same for him when he was learning how to ride his scooter. These high school boys just took him under their wing and made sure he was safe. He learned some colourful language however.

gm_4 avatar
G M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Handled extremely well other than telling their mom her kids are pieces of s**t. They are but that was only going to set her off. I imagine the father is exaggerating that part, but calmly relaying what happened is the best approach. If the mom still does listen, then you tell her her kids are pieces of s**t … like her.

idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have gone full Eurlich on them from Silicon Valley when the neighborhood boys bullied Richard.

jay_weigel avatar
Jay Weigel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree wholeheartedly, and their mother could use a few sharp words too!

beccakuehn avatar
Becca Kuehn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OP is definitely not the AH! He was being a responsible adult by protecting his daughter and the other little girl from bullies! My husband and I would have done the same thing if we were in a situation like that. We have 7 children, 5 grandchildren, plus 4 children who we refer to as our 'bonus grandchildren'. We would hope that an adult one of them being bullied they would be kind enough to help. I'm aware that the odds are pretty slim that OP will see my comment, but I hope he does because I want to tell him, "Thank you for protecting not only his child but also the other little girl who was being bullied.

shead26 avatar
Steve
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You need to get the cops involved and the UK equivalent of Child Protective Services. Not against the kids, but the parents. Clearly they've been teaching their kids that doing these things are ok, if not good.

scottiebass2112 avatar
whatever
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Typical "My kid can never do wrong..." idiot parent. I would have told that brat's mother that next time he does that I'll be hitting her over the head with her own kid....

abigor avatar
Cyber Returns
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA! Go round to their house and scream at the mom that if she doesn't sort her little b*stard out, you are calling the police and reporting her and if you see her kids bully your or any other kid in the area again, now that you know where she lives, you will tell the rest of the parents where to find her, and she can expect more visitors who probably won't be so polite. Hopefully the prospect of a random parent turning up and knocking her out will make her sort her kids out

celeryg avatar
celery g
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

when kids are not taught kindness, consideration, and f*****g boundaries, you get little shits like that! I was never shy about setting kids straight and never cared if someone had an issue with it!

cjackson_1 avatar
CC Boom
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kid is an a*****e to mine? I'm gonna be an a*****e right back. Bullies are bullies and the moms probably a b***h too

adinaisme avatar
AndThenICommented
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would report them to the police just to finish off the threat. Film them if seen again. As Sarra R said, even young kids are capable of horrific things and you can’t be too sure. At least it might send a message to the mother.

sabrinapandoo avatar
Nina
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a SoCal services issue. if you're in the UK, I do hope you reported the b***h and her shits for teroizing little girls. Thats jamie Bulger type aggression and the police will be all over those shits.

ahmadpujianto avatar
The Cute Cat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once I ever step on to a boy that grab other boy collar and ready to hit. Some kid have bad temper and need a good warning. Hope they could learn

black-adder avatar
Miki
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hanging on nearby street lamp would be going to far. Anything else is fine.

lorenpechtel_1 avatar
Loren Pechtel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Video, and if anything happens remotely police-worthy get them involved directly rather than even trying to talk to the parents. You're pretty much describing the kids next door when I was growing up (although the parents would discipline them for any infractions **they** saw, but they wouldn't believe their angels were in the wrong otherwise.) Last I knew they had spent most of their adult life behind bars.

stan-mcconnell59 avatar
Givemeabreak101
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was a boy the neighbors would kick my butt if I got out of line then dad would do it again.

dmp1966 avatar
Dawn Perkins
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA the mom was. It is a shame she is ok with her son treating toddlers n girls like that. That kid has major problems-one being his mother's behavior! He will probably grow up to abuse women... could even be being abused himself. More patents need to teach their kids to behave right & not defend them when they are hurting others. Main problem in schools these days.

kenbeattie avatar
Ken Beattie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My initial thought was "You know where they get it from". But to be fair to the Mum, they could have told her a bunch of lies about that awful man who threatened them for no good reason. Any mum would get upset and confront the guy as a result.

wellshellabxt avatar
Shellita
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just do what my ex husband used to do. If a kid was bullying our autistic son, my ex would knock on the door, and tell the dad that he was going to do to him what his son was doing to our son. All the bullying quickly stopped. Those kids were friendly as could be.

jennyjames avatar
Papa Patata
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have done far worst. These people grow up to be pieces of s**t that terrorize and traumatize others of they're not stopped.

aljoy avatar
Al Joy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It takes a village to raise kids. This man is part of the village.

juliechute avatar
Hoodoo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA & thank you. One of m' kids was once bullied & harrassed by a group of "mean girls" that were audacious enough to ring the house, be smart to me, & come to the front o' the house. Speakin to their parents was a complete waste of time (go figure.) I was walking behind my kids on a sidewalk going into a school function when lo & behold here comes one of the bullies & she sshoulder- shoved m' kid right in front o'me ( she'd never seen me.) I took two steps, grabbed her neck & slammed her down on the grass. She was absolutely shocked, crying & her mum just stood there w/ her mouth hanging open. I told her that either she handle this problem or I would. Problem solved...

jaredrobinson avatar
Jared Robinson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

doesn't sound like you were being an ahole if this is how it went.

arianahale avatar
AspieGirl88
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly?? You are absolutely NOT in the wrong here. Those boys are lucky they only got scolded, because there are people out there who don’t take kindly to intimidation of their children & will do worse than scold them. But they’re going to end up in trouble with the police one day, if the so-called “mother” continues to let her crotch-goblins run rampant & it’s almost guaranteed that they’ll become deadly criminals someday. Someone has to step in & take charge of those little hellions, if the Mega-Karen is incapable of disciplining an unruly child (though really, she never should’ve spawned in the first place, if she won’t even take responsibility). You had every right to protect your own child & even though that other girl wasn’t yours to protect, I’m sure her parents would’ve appreciated you stepping in to defend her from those bully boys. Also, having seen cases like the James Bulger murder? Obviously we can’t let that sort of behaviour slide. 😕🤷‍♀️

ajurinak avatar
-Mellohi-
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This guy did the right thing and it was very calm. My parents on the other hand would belittle the hell out of the mother of the bully.

maiseymyles avatar
maiseymyles avatar
Maisey Myles
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd ask some big high school football players to hang around the park and scare the c**p out of them. A little dose of their own medicine. I am so passive-aggressive!!

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etcavanagh avatar
Zobi123
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think this is real. It's just so improbable that a kid would bully a two-year old in front of the child's father.

tuckerspall avatar
Tucker Spall
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well if they never faced punishment from their parents they probably think all parents wouldn't care.

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