I explained to him not to say this word, and my mum started getting protective saying he didn’t swear he just said animal and what’s wrong with that?
And my dad said it’s because he pushed her really badly on to the floor and nearly hit her face. I said this won’t stop him
From doing it, have to explain to him not to ( he is 4.5 years old and my daughter is 2.5).
And then he started saying he isn’t gonna get involved or say anything anymore and just got offended ( he is 75). I don’t know if I exaggerated? But don’t want him to be called an animal.
I feel a bit bad as they do look after the kids quite a bit- and we live together ( for different reasons).
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I think it depends how it was said tbh. It sounds like it could be banterish? That's my take.

I can see where your dad might be coming from with not wanting to get involved anymore, if he’s being told not to call him an animal (which imo isn’t a bad thing to be called at all but to each their own) if someone told me not to call niece/nephew an animal I probably wouldn’t want to say/do much anymore to save from getting ‘lectured’

I understand why it seems innocent to them, but I’m in full agreement with you - that’s not beneficial for your child at all. I feel the same way about telling them they’re a “bad boy/girl” for doing something wrong, because it’s something they DID and not who they ARE. It’s important to make that distinction in our words to them! Maybe just explain it to your dad and it might help him understand where you’re coming from ❤️

I think name calling isn’t good for their development and social skills. They will think it’s normal to do it and it also conditions their brain into believing they are what they are called as they grow. I don’t think you’re wrong for calling him out on it. Telling him off is understandable but name calling isn’t.

We often refer to the kids In my family as hooligans, nutters or monkeys. If my dad called my child an animal it really wouldn't bother me.. being honest, I think you're a little over sensitive on this one.. sorry. But if you don't like it, then fair enough.

Noooo way I’m with you on this one. I would flip out if my mom called my son an animal. Like Sultana said, telling off is 100% warranted in that situation but calling a 4 year old an animal in an angry, condescending way is insane

Grampa is right in my opinion. If your son pushed your daughter and hurt her, he needs a solid response from an adult in the room to know that that’s not ok. Sometimes a harsh word from dad or Grampa is what the kid needs to set him straight. Gently telling him to have gentle hands or go calm down in the quiet corner isn’t going to help. Those kids are the ones who end up having bigger problems later.
Call me old school or disagree… but remember your father raised you before you get too critical of him.

This wouldn't bother me

I'm with you! No one calls my child an animal. what happens when he internalizes this stuff?