Celtic, I reprimended the children infront of their parents. I took the little boy's hand and lead him out of the room, with "A" hanging on to my neck for dear life. The parents just remained at the table, didn't say a word. Their grandmother was their too...and just observed how I handled the situation. That's when I vowed this is the last time.

Sounds like you and your friend are one front. You need that when kids squabble, which is normal. But these boys were brutal. And "A" is what gentleness is about. Last week her Kindergarden teacher told my son that in her 30 years of teaching, she never had a child that was so caring and sweet with the other children. She said "A" is like her assistant. My son called me to tell me that, and also said he's sure we have a great deal to do with the way she has developed. I really don't think so; nature made her that way, but I was very touched that my son said that.

yea it is great that your son acknoloaged you like that.

the nature nurture debate would go on for forever lol but i do belive that a lot of kids mirror whats aroundf them. A might have a carring personalitie but your love and active loving of her will show her how to care and make it ok for her to care.

I am glade you reprimanded as it sends a message to A never nmind the boy or parents and its one that your valuable enough to be cared for (i think protection is a form of carring) and helps her see that justise (if thats the right word) can happen, even the youngest need to have their feelings verified at times.

luckie you getting to hang out with a wee gentile carring soul