A post by AnneMarie Barhitte in an online Autism Parents Support Group has sparked a passionate conversation among parents after she described a distressing scene at her son’s recent Little League game.
According to Barhitte, her son, known among teammates for his positive and encouraging nature, was unexpectedly yelled at by another player’s mother for offering words of support to the pitcher.
Barhitte wrote,
“Yesterday my son was playing his little league game and another player’s mom went off on my son because he said to the pitcher, ‘Take a deep breath, you got this,’” “She yelled and screamed at my child. Keep in mind she’s played with him for two years — never once said there was an issue, never asked him not to talk to her child. I confirmed with the coach he’s always positive on the field.”
AnneMarie Barhitte
She explained that while her son’s focus and skills might vary, he has never been disrespectful or disruptive. She added,
“That does not give her the right to yell at my child,” “How would you address this with the league?”
AnneMarie Barhitte
Several commenters said they would have confronted the woman directly. Anonymous participant 867 wrote,
I would have went off on her. No one screams at my kid for being encouraging. What the heck
Anonymous participant
Another parent, Malinda Lopez, agreed:
I’d address it straight to the lady and ask what her problem is
Malinda Lopez
Others shared stronger emotions. Tatjana Fisher commented,
I would addressed with her – right in her face – nobody has a right to scream at my child
Tatjana Fisher
Harley Lynn Puckett was even more blunt:
“You’re a better woman than I because NO shot some woman would’ve screamed at my child and left with her teeth. This momma doesn’t play when it comes to her babies.”
Harley Lynn Puckett
While many supported confrontation, some parents urged a calmer approach. Sara Adams suggested handling it through proper channels rather than escalating the conflict.
Why is it always the adults that end up ruining the kids games 😔 …. Sadly, it’s now a common thing.. theres always atleast 1 parent ready to get thrown off the field. Id report her to the league and explain that’s what bad sportsmanship looks like to the kids. 😒
Sara Adams
Nikki McFarland added that the incident should be documented.
Document her behavior… show the league how she acts! With enough evidence she might get banned from group!
Nikki McFarland
Others like Pamela Titus Wood took an even gentler stance, advising Barhitte to rise above the situation.
I would overlook her and don’t stoop down to her level. Try to explain to your son that some people just don’t act nice and try to ignore them.
Pamela Titus Wood
Mandie Gehron pointed out that what Barhitte’s son said,
What your child said to the pitcher is literally what everyone says to encourage the pitcher! It’s literally what coaches, team mates and parents do!!
Mandie Gehron
Anonymous participant 269 added a different perspective, saying that toxic parent behavior was one reason they switched their child to a special needs baseball team.
“These people take it way too seriously. We have a special needs team that my son participated in for the first time this year and they were awesome.”
Anonymous particpant 269
The comment section quickly revealed a divide in how parents think such conflicts should be handled. One commenter, Anonymous participant 746, advised against confrontation:
“Omg. Let it go. Be the bigger person. If it keeps happening, then calmly talk to the coach. It scares me to read how many of you would just attack immediately. Understand some people get caught up in the heat of the game. Is it correct? No. Is it polite? No. Should you start a fight with them? No!”
Anonymous participant 746
Still, others believed Barhittite should have intervened more assertively. Anonymous participant 911 questioned,
“Wait, so you didn’t confront the lady as she was yelling at your child? I would be so hurt to know my mom was in the same space as me and let someone yell at me and stood by and did nothing.”
Anonymous participant 911
