Woman Thinks Fellow Mom Is Being Too ‘Harsh’ with Daughter’s Punishment for Calling Her Son ‘Fat’ and ‘Stupid’

A mother is questioning whether another mom’s punishment went too far after their kids clashed during a playdate.

Posting on the U.K. parenting forum Mumsnet, the woman explained that she and a friend met at a park with their children when things took a bad turn. According to her, the other mom’s daughter was “quite mean” to her son — “calling him fat, which he is not, stupid and an idiot, and swearing at him.”

The girl’s mother, she said, was “hugely apologetic.” When the two women saw each other the next morning at the school playground, the girl’s mom admitted her daughter “has been quite challenging lately.”

To teach her daughter a lesson — and because she refused to apologize — the mother decided she wouldn’t be giving her any birthday presents this year.

“I thought this was a bit harsh, but didn’t want to get involved,” the poster wrote. “It’s not a punishment I would implement.”

She went on to wonder whether the consequence really fit the situation, asking other users: “I don’t know if she’s being unfair. Or does that sound reasonable in those circumstances?”

Many commenters weighed in, with most agreeing the punishment seemed excessive.

“I’m all for actions having consequences, but no presents on their birthday is a bit harsh,” one user wrote.

Another added, “That’s a really nasty punishment. You don’t have many childhood birthdays — your family should make the most of them.”

Others suggested the mom’s decision missed the mark. “A young child won’t understand the link between behavior and lack of presents,” one commenter said. “Punishments need to be in the moment, not a week later.”