Hello there,

I (39M) was with my wife and children at an Aquarium about 6 months ago. I was with two of my children sitting for a presentation in particular my daughter (1F). She was just getting used to standing and walking, not particularly paying any attention to the presentation, but not doing anything of interest either.

Nearby, a little boy - I figure 4 or 5 years old, pushed her down the instant she looked in his direction. She didn't mind, so I let it go. She got up, looked in direction again - and again, he pushed her down. She whimpered about it but go over it. Finally the third or fourth time (I cannot recall), I actually saw it coming and was in range to intercept. I simply put my arm in the way so that the boy ended up pushing my arm instead of the baby, and then stated sternly to him: "Do not push the baby." (Other than the push on my arm and that statement, I did nothing more)

There was a very long hiatus - perhaps 10-15 seconds - where the boy stood still and silent, as if he was completely stunned. Finally, he went to his mother, wailing desperately. She came to me and asked what had happened. I told her what happened and what I did and said, to which she responded, "Well he's only four/five, he's little. I hope you feel good about yourself."

Her words didn't make me feel good, but I don't think I did anything wrong. AITA?

NB: Since someone may ask why it took 6 months to iterate this - something happened today that reminded me of it. (We were at a play place where a little boy was playing with an electronic toy and slapped anyone who came near him; I encouraged my children to avoid him and do other things for the time being, but eventually my same daughter ended up there and was merely looking - he put his hand on hers to shove her away, but I spoke to him and said, "Don't touch her." and he released her without further reaction.