Was I wrong to intervene?

Ok, so I have 2 children a 3yo and 8 month old, and my cousin was telling my new baby that he was so much cutter than his big brother and I told her not to say that because my 3 yo understand what that means. And her mom was like that's ok for them to say that because and everyone says that about new babies and that I need to start teaching my son how to have thick skin because we he gets older many people might tell him he is not so cute.

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

OogieBoogie · F

You were right.

Children, (and people), can be highly influenced by the smallest thing.

Once my cousin and i were talking about teeth development in our kids. My daughter had a gap between her front two.

My cousin bent down to my daughter and said "smile for me sweetheart" ....which she did beamingly.
Then....(And im still angry at her to this day), she said, "Oh yes, it IS a big gap isnt it" .

My daughter stopped smiling that day. She didnt smile properly again for YEARS! ....like 10 years.

...and to this day....she remembers how hurt and self conscious it made her feel.

So yeah....you are absolutely right.
Children listen, children hear, children will take to heart the most off hand comments.

She should watch her damn mouth.