Assault at a daycare
A 9-year-old boy was captured on CCTV abusing babies and toddlers at Kiddie City Childcare centre in Mississippi. The unidentified minor can be viewed scaring the youngsters by using wrestling-style moves to hit them. The boy can be seen shaking a baby and then patting her on the back after he abuses her. The boy also kicks and punches another toddler while a daycare centre worker gazes out of the window.
A father’s ill-timed reaction
One father expressed his outrage at his daughter’s suffering. Jamie Williams said his 1-year-old daughter had come home with injuries for an entire week. Williams also said his daughter had bite marks on her body as well as a cut lip. Williams apparently became so angry when the daycare failed to provide him with an explanation, he reportedly hit another child whom he believed was responsible. Police say Williams had hit the wrong child and was arrested for this misdemeanour.
The caregiver of Kiddie City Childcare, Sandra Trevillion, has been arrested on charges of child neglect. She apparently had failed to attend to the children’s safety and seemingly ignored the abuse.
According to WLBT News, the boy’s aunt, Vinia Dolley commented on the actions of her nephew (in heavy Mississippi slang),“He bad. He fight but he don’t fight little babies. He do also have a problem. He take(s) medicine every day and he just a normal child.”
Dolley also said, “I feel bad about him jumping on a two year-old baby, he (is just) nine years-old. He don’t fight his own two year-old brother like that or cousins.”
The police are conducting an investigation and the daycare centre has since been closed down.
3 tips for controlling violence in your child
You may not want to believe that children are capable of violence but young children do display aggressive behaviour towards other children. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Teach by example.
If your kid sees you react aggressively in a situation, they may feel that it is acceptable to do the same. Be a role model for your child.
2. Role play with your child
Act out awkward situations with your child, such as when another child takes away toys or won’t share food. Point out a nonviolent solution and ask your child how they feel and what they would do.
3. Find an outlet
Hobbies or sports can help a child work out their aggressive feelings into constructive channels. But limit the amount of violent computer games because playing these can desensitise children to violence.
It’s important not to deny the problem now, because a child who pushes other kids in the playground today may develop bigger problems later in school and later life.