Hi,
I have just read your message & felt i must reply straight away! I am apalled at your story, not because of the child, but because of her parents
attitude towards her bad behaviour! I assume this parent either a) does not know how to deal with this type of behaviour, or b) really doesn't think theres anything wrong in whats she's doing, but if you want to continue your relationship with this person & her child, i suggest ( actually i urge you)! take a positive approach & step in to acknowledge the child's bad behaviour. Im guessing that your friend may pass it off as nothing because no-one lets her know it's not acceptable, & the longer you keep quiet, the worse it will get, remember it is the child who is suffering here as she won't ever know right from wrong! I am sure that if you step in & tell her child what she is doing wrong, both child & parent may at first be shocked, but if your a true friend, the mother will respect your advice, & you may just make her realize that it is actually her job to tell her child that this kind of behaviour is unacceptable. I meet with a group of friends each week that i have known since pregnancy, & i would not hesitate to tell thier child of thier wrong doing, we all appreciate & respect each others advice throghout parenting,& im sure your friend would too.Do what you need to do,be assertive, stay calm, & be proud. x