Have any of you seen the video of the FL Mom that power-washed her 2 year old at a do-it-yourself carwash? I know that I have had really hard days as a Mom and sometimes they just push you over the edge. I too, must admit that I have snapped and said or done things I certainly wouldn't have wanted documented on a survellience tape. But, I can't for the life of me imagine what infraction would warrant spraying my 2 yr old with 1200 lbs of pressurized spray. Tough love or child abuse? What's your opinion?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23518487/
That is unspeakable!!! I've had several moments when I have "snapped" with my kids ... I think every mother has them ... but mine end up with more of a quick swat to the bum that I regret and apologize for later. I can't even imagine what that poor little girl must have gone through!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't even watch the video. Your description was enough. There's "losing it" and there is "LOSING IT." Time for some parenting classes and anger management. That is so sad for that little girl. Shame on her "mother" (if that's what you call someone who sprays a child with that much water pressure). I have certainly "lost it" with my kids, but please!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is insane. I'd heard about it, but hadn't seen the video.
ReplyDeleteI don't think what she did was right, but I also think the media is blowing it out of proportion and sensationalizing it. They said that the hose was not turned to the full 1200 pounds of pressure, but the media demonstrates the full power because it is more shocking. Also, the mom tested it on her own skin before she sprayed the kid. It's still pretty bad, but it kind of seemed like the mom thought she was trying to give a nicer punishment because she said, "I'm not going to hit you, I'm just going to spray you with some cold water." I think the mom just wanted to wash her kid off after she wet herself and underestimated how much more it would hurt a little kid than an adult.
ReplyDeleteI think her comment actually makes it worse. a) the fact that she said "I'm not going to hit you" implies that the child has been routinely hit and was scared that it was coming, and b) I actually watched the video and she sprayed her child in the face ..not an area that would need to be washed when she wet herself. This Mom was taking her frustration out on her child, who, remember, is only 2. I do agree that the media tends to sensationalize cases like this, but either way....it was wrong and shouldn't have happened, like a lot of things kids have happen to them these days. Sad.
ReplyDeleteYou do have a good point about the face and the hitting. I've discovered that parenting is a constant exercise in self control. Sometimes my kids just make me so crazy I can't take it anymore. I have to just stick them in their room and basically give myself a time out to give myself a chance to calm down so that I don't do something I'll regret. Some people forget that they have a stewardship over their children and think of children as their property.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with that Angeline! Let's see, I'm 31... so does that mean I get a 31 minute time-out? Sweet!
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