Smith took her daughter to a Children’s Hospital near Columbus, Ohio for stitches after she was hit by a boy at school. “Def not! Love & bruises do not belong together…” “That’s a bad and unsafe mentality to breed”, wrote another.
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It goes with the age-old belief that young boys that tease a girl, pull their hair, trip them on the playground, are paying attention because they have a crush on the girl.
Thank you again for your support and your concern – we sincerely appreciate the compassion fostered through this community every day. Like me that way.
“I recall being told the same thing as a kid”, another woman commented on Facebook. Draw me a picture.
The comment troubled Smith and she later took to Facebook to share the reason for her unease.
“Anyone who is a parent knows we are all winging it. Each of us has had a moment when our child made a poor choice”, she writes. “I am confident that they will use all their resources”.
Merrit has since commented saying she did not want to implicate the child involved and hopes her message can encourage other parents when dealing with similar situations. He genuinely meant no harm.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital posted a statement to its Facebook page addressing the incident on Friday.
“This comment does not represent our philosophy as an institution”, the hospital wrote.
Shauna Roszman Flores said: “Shout it Merritt Smith!” “We’ve been trying to create messages, starting in preschool, that hands are not for hitting”. “Power parenting medal to you…for setting the example of how we should treat people”. “I thought we had moved past this kind of messaging”.
“I know we can change the messages that guide our children as they learn to interact with one another, develop conflict resolution skills, choose empathy and stand strong in their sense of self”. She walks away thinking if someone hits me it’s a sign they like me. “We in no way condone violence or this attitude toward any type of relationship”. “It is never a sign someone cares about you”.
The mum has had a positive response to her October 6 post, with many expressing amazement at what the hospital worker said.
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Smith did not immediately return Mic’s request for comment.
