What age should a parent give their child a swat on the bottom for a slight temper tantrum in a restaurant?

Question

children birth to three years of age

Answer 1

I hit my kid with a spoon and he came out great!

Answer 2

If you can tell it is a tantrum and not crying for important reasons, then they are old enough to swat. They know better if it is just a tantrum they are throwing. A swat will tell them that tantrums are wrong. It is a good idea to take them into the restroom and do this, then talk to them as well. Let them know the reason you are doing this. Even if they don't fully understand what you are saying, they will understand that a tantrum means bad consequences. Say the same thing every time this happens too and they will learn what you mean. Then next time you are in the restarant or whatever, you can threaten to "take them to the restroom." This will teach them good behavior in public and that tantrums are unacceptable.

Answer 3

I am SO not trying to be rude, but I can't help but laugh a little when I see parents doing this. It makes the parent look foolish. If you have to swat your kid to "show you mean business" or "get their attention", then you've already lost the battle.

And in a restaurant, it only makes the child louder and more miserable, which really annoys other people who came there to enjoy their meal without howling children and parents who have to resort to brawn over brains.

You should get inside the brain of an infant./toddler and see even what a "swat" does. My child participated in a study once. A group of little ones were put in a room with "no-no's", like the breakable things that grandparents have. Half were verbally told "no" and re-directed. Half were swatted on the hand. Later, they brought in toys for the kids. The ones who were swatted didn't reach for ONE THING. Not even the good things. The ones who were verbally and physically re-directed played with the toys and left the other items alone.

Now tell me this: Which kid is going to be more successful in their learning? One who is going to just sit on the floor and rock back and forth and not know their boundaries unless a physical strike is involved? Or the one who has a parent who takes the time to explain what is right/wrong and TEACH them.

Answer 4

I don't think at any age that a child should be swat in public. I think if youdo that you make your self look bad. Also it make that clild feel bad when older. I think if you child acts up than leave and don't go out any more that day. This will teach the kid that you won't put up with this. That if thay act up that won't be able to be out. This has worked on my kids and a few friends i know also.

Answer 5

Like many have said when they are old enough to throw a temper tantrum they are old enough to be spanked.

These days it is tough to give a swat in a public place--people will look at you like you are the post evil person in the world. But I applaud you big time!!

One thing about kids/toddlers is that a swat dosen't do all that much through all the padding.. It is much more effective to give a swat or two on their bare behind. But that is even tougher to do in public these days. But, if I saw it I would go over and give Mom a big hug:)

Answer 6

The appropriate age for a swat on the bottom for a temper tantrum in a restaurant is the age at which the first temper tantrum is thrown.

Answer 7

If your child is throwing a major tantrum them remove them from the area and calm them down. Your child may be bored, tired, irritated, and frustrated. They may be fine but worse comes to worse then get your dinner to go. You may have to sacrifice your eating out once in awhile. If it is mild tantrum then think about what he is thinking, how he sees being confined in a chair. Try to do things to distract him and keep him occupied. Try a quick walk around the restraunt until your food arrives (assuming that you are with your spouse to watch over your things). Kids are kids, they can't be perfect all the time, the important thing is to keep your patients with your child. Your child feeds off of your emotions, he sees you stressed he will become stressed. Remain calm.

Answer 8

Whenever my niece is throwing tantrums in a public place, I usually take him home immedietly and ignore his behaviour. Once he is settle down, I will comfort him and tell him nicely that I do not tolerate that kind of behaviour. The next time I took him out, he is more likely to behave properly, and I encourage that behaviour by reinforce him by telling him I like the way he is behaving now, and took him to grab some ice cream. :-)

When you are responding to the child's behaviour, make sure you do it immedietly when the behaviour occurs. Try to encourage good beaviours by telling him why you like them behaving that way. So they would repeat the good behaviour. Soon, the behaviour will become a habit to them. You dont nee to reinforce them everytime they did something good to keep them doing so, it all depends on the child's age. For young children, you can give them something that they can see visually. Such as toys, candy, etc. For bigger children, you can just give them a praise by telling them you like their behaviour, etc.

Answer 9

Except for a couple of you who said TAP DAT AZZ when the child knows better, I'll see the rest of you "June Cleaver" types on Jerry Springer as the parents who's kids are Running the House. TIME OUT to a child means You Will NEVER Do Anything To Me! You can train a puppy to behave, but they will still grow up to be DOGS -- it's in their nature - they have teeth to bite just test them and see. My mom knew how to boomerang her shoes, but we all turned out just fine -- Computer Systems Engineer at age 21.

Answer 10

I don't think they should be swatted at all. Take them outside and do not go back in the resturant until your child has calmed down. small children can usually only sit down at a table for about 15-20 min before they get bored and want down. Take some games, paper, pens; make a game with the crackers. Just keep them busy and you should be ok for a while...

Answer 11

Don't do it. You will look like a fool and the kid will keep screaming. It does not work. Go to family restaurants and practice good manners. Make a game out of it. Toddlers will get on board with jsut about anything if it is presented as a fun game.