BULLIES!

Bullies. They run rampant through high schools, middle schools, and elementaries. They steal lunch money, tease, pressure their peers, and get physically violent. Most kids are confronted with a bully at some time in their school career.

But when did bullies start appearing at the playground? Two and three year old bullies? Yesterday Chloe and I went to the park. I strapped Alivia in the Mei Tai and pushed Chloe on the swing. It was a sunny day, very rare for February, and there were a few other kids and Mamas at the playground too. I may be a paranoid freak, but I watch my child closely at the playground. Especially since she is not that steady climbing up and down playground equipment. A Mom was there with two girls, a one year old, and a three year old. The three year old and Chloe were playing side by side in the bark, but not really interacting with each other. The older girl took a stick out of Chloe's hand and then got up and ran away with it. My sweet girl looked up at me confused then laughed and said UH OH! She picked up another stick and continued playing. A few minutes later she was climbing up the stairs to go on the slide, and the older girl was coming down. I told Chloe to scoot over so that her friend could pass. The girl stopped right in front of Chloe, facing her. I called Chloe's name again and started toward her. Chloe looked at me and right then the girl shoved her with all of her little three year old force. Chloe went flying backwards off the stairs, tumbling head over heels down 7 hard stairs. She was bawling, but not bleeding or anything. I stood her up and brushed her off but she said "Go home!!!" So we left. As I was leaving I glanced at the mom and hear her say in the sweetest, softest sing-song voice "Oh no no baby, don't hit!!!" Umm...your daughter just shoved mine down a flight of stairs, and THAT is your reaction? Come on lady!

I think I need to prepare myself for the long hard years ahead. I just hate seeing my child hurt, and when it was another child that did the damage, my heart just aches. I know this happens all the time, but it really STINKS to be on the receiving end. Thank God Chloe is a calm, mild mannered child who has never hit another kid. I pray that it stays that way.

I love that my toddler is really sensitive and sweet, she loves to cuddle and read and is uber attached to her Mommy. It hurts to see her hurt. Even though she was fine when we got back home. She even picked up her blankie and said night night Mommy as she walked to her room for her nap. I'm so lucky!!!!