Smith is clear that she is not placing blame for the incident on the child or the child’s parents, but that she started the conversation in hopes of creating awareness.
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And the hospital worker allegedly told the girl, “I bet he likes you”.
Upset over the comment, Ms Smith took to Facebook to respond – explaining that while it may have been meant well, she felt the comment was unacceptable as it sets up a culture where violence is just accepted as a boy trying to show his affections. So she penned an open letter to the hospital, letting them know that the whole “hurting is flirting” excuse is what sets the tone for what is acceptable behavior. My 4-year-old knows ‘That’s not how we show we like someone. Those were reportedly the baffling words of a hospital worker in Columbus, Ohio to a four-year-old girl who was there getting stitches after a boy punched her in the face.
More than 30,000 people shared the mom’s message and hundreds showed their support.
Incensed, Smith posted a photo of her daughter on Facebook with a message to the man behind the desk.
Smith agreed, “Pulling hair is not affection either”.
On Monday, the Nationwide Children’s Hospital told CBS News that they are aware of the comment that was made by a staff member.
“This comment does not represent our philosophy as an institution”, the hospital wrote.
Since Tuesday, October 6, we have reached out to the family, met with the employee and their management team, as well as our leadership in order to understand the situation and take measures to prevent this from happening again.
“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”.
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Speaking about the response her Facebook post has received Smith said: “I am humbled and grateful that conversations, near and far, are being had”.
