How much physical contact is too much?

[Mizelenius]

My DD (5, in KG) told me that her friend hit in her in the face and said, "I don't like you." DD said she thinks her friend was bored-- they were sitting at the rug. DD said she laughed to show she thought it was funny. (I know she did not think it was funny; it was her way of coping.) She said most of the time this girl is not like that.

I asked DD to show me, and it seemed this girl pushed on DD's face. Did not hit/punch her. I also told her that her friend being bored is not DD's problem. She should not have to deal with it. I told her to say, "I do NOT like that." DD said she won't. She said she'll just laugh again. The reason I did not tell her to say "Stop" is that when another girl was calling my DD a name, DD said that, and the girl kept doing it . . .I am guessing because she figured it was fun to get a rise out of DD.

Would you say anything to the teacher? Was it too minor a touch to complain? When does it cross the line? My instinct is NOT to say anything, but maybe we should to nip it in the bud?

[kathymuggle]

I would tell the teacher.

Kathy

[mattemma04]

Tell the teacher.Also explain to your dd that it is important she let the teacher know if someone is bothering her verbally or physically,or to let you know.

My kids tell me because they are not yet(or will ever be) comfortable going to an adult. Ofcourse it is better if the child tells right away,because staff seems to disregard things reported *after the fact*.

The teacher can sperate the children,and try to keep a closer eye on those that tend to lash out verbally/physically. They might alos do an extra lesson or two on what it means to be nice/mean.