If a kid is acting like a brat in public, and the parental unit refuses to use proper discipline on him/her?

Question

...does that mean that *I* can step in and initiate the proper form of discipline (which is a spanking, in case you're wondering)?




Okay, okay, I'm being sarcastic on this one. I wouldn't really do this. But you gotta admit, it's tempting sometimes, is it not? I mean, if a kid in a store is throwing stuff, being loud, and an all around pain in the behind, how can you NOT want to turn it over your knee and whack his setter five to eight times? And honestly, the throwing stuff, the screaming, and the all around loudness isn't nearly as intolerable if the parent makes proper effort to correct the kid.

By the way, I plan on drinking an ice cold beer for every disillusioned liberal who tries to tell me that spanking is not an appropriate form of discipline for whatever reason.

Answer 1

unfortunately, I don't think you would be able to do that due to laws. should you, by all means, yes.

Answer 2

That's a tough call. I am a so-called "liberal", but I also realize that there are times when "sparing the rod and spoiling the child" doesn't always work either. I don't think spanking is the best alternative, but there are times when it might be appropriate, such as if a child is doing something that can cause them harm....I think that I would certainly try all over options available--but if reasoning, punishment by way of taking away priviledges, etc..doesn't work, then a solid spanking on the bum might not be the worst idea. Just be reasonable, and don't blister the child's behind.

I am shocked to be writing this, but I look at my stepsister's daughter. She's become the most insolent, spoilt child, and my stepsister refuses to spank...she uses verbal warnings, takes away priviledges, etc... Yet when her grandmother swats the child's bum, she will listen.

Answer 3

Okay, so we can't actually spank someone else's child. That doesn't necessarily mean we can't discipline someone else's child.

When a kid is running around unsupervised in a store, screaming, making a mess, I do not hesitate to get down to his level, look him straight in the eye, and say, "You are making a mess. Be quiet and go find your mother right now, or I will call the the police to take you away." The kid usually cries, but by darn, he goes to find his parent and stops making messes that other people will have to clean up.

And yes, I know this makes me a bad person, but at least I don't tell little children, "I am going to put you in a pot with carrots and onions, cook you in my oven, and eat you for dinner." At least, not anymore.

And no, I am not a parent. And no, I never will be. (The world breathes a sigh of relief.)

Answer 4

yes, there are plenty of kids out there who need a good spanking but lets be open minded. your perspective might be that the child is being a brat but, there are some neurological disorders that cause behaviors that could be perceived as just a child misbehaving. and i'm not talking about some bullsh*t disorder like ODD (oppositional defiant disorder), but rather autism, ADHD, sensory issues and some forms of epilepsy. in that case, it would be like being annoyed by someone who's having a heart attack - it can't be helped sometimes.

now, in regards to the little monsters, i would rather see a parent remain calm and collected than to see them make an a$$ of themselves. it's pretty disturbing to walk into a public restroom only to hear mom and toddler in the handicap stall, mom freaking out telling the kid how he's ruined everyone's dinner and the kid sniffing up snot, breathing only in gasps. it's bad enough the kid is making you look bad but then for you to go and confirm so... trashy.

when my kids misbehave to the point that a scolding doesn't do the trick to control their behavior, i scoop 'em up, take them home and deal with it.

Answer 5

It seems that some kids are just hard-headed like that, and I admit it is very aggravating. Sometimes it seems like the parents are just complete pushovers and will do whatever the kid wants too.

Yeah, there are many little spoiled brats in our society today. Well, sooner or later they'll have to learn the hard way, so don't worry too much about. Just try to laugh it off, because really it's not worth getting angry over.

Answer 6

Depending on the age of the child, sometimes simple humiliation of the kid makes me feel better. Watch out for the parents though. You can tell by looking at them if it would be worth it or not. Some parents go off and make a scene if you say anything. But then you know where their kids get it from.
By the way, go ahead and slam a cold one for me answering this one.

Answer 7

Let's leave out the issue of corporal punishment of somebody else's kid - these days that will probably get you jail time (NE US states), sued (California) or shot (Texas).

I cannot tolerate parents who let their child scream. Particularly in a restaurant. If it continues i WILL step in (due to a hearing injury in the Army, it is physically painful for me to hear loud, high-pitched squeals). You know - the kind of long, G-above-the-staff, 95 dB scream/squeal that 4-y/o girls think is so much fun, and 25-y/o "parents" think is so "cute?"

I will do something by the third time it happens. 9 times out of 10 the parents have made no attempt to quiet the kid - they ignore it. (Of course - because the child is in charge. I have heard the shrinks' line and the parents must have read their books - "Put no limits on developing children. Let them find their own way.")

I will make sure the parents see my stern glare. If they make no attempt to control the child, I will then talk to them.

One line I often use is "Will you please control you animal? The noise is disruptive to most people and physically painful to me? Thanks for your consideration."

I have not been punched out (yet), and it does not always work, but I feel better having at least ATTEMPTED to defend myself.

Answer 8

Thanks! I totally agree! There are some kids that are so spoilt its beyond me. On top of taking advantage of their parents, they will embarass the hell out of them in public- I say to those parents to be firm, mean what you say- spank them every now and then, the best time is before they are even 12yrs old! Otherwise, they will be all over the place by the time they are 13 if you dont buckle up and be the BOSS!

Answer 9

I know exactly what you mean. I have two boys, 3 1/2yo and almost 5yo, and they are fairly well behaved when we are in stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and any where else that we take them, and it irks me to see other parents with out the slightest bit of common decency letting their little hell-spawn run rampant. And the worst part? Those types of parents are probably the type to give loud cell phone talkers dirty looks, and to complain about neighbors with loud music or loud dogs.

Answer 10

I'm a liberal and see nothing wrong with spankings. If fact a lot of kids I see diserve one. You know it's really not nice to "lump" people togother. Not all liberals believe the same thing.

Answer 11

A former co-worker had this problem once. A kid was screaming his head off ina store. The kid was probably between 6 and 8, so no he wasn't a baby or a toddler. The co-worker walked up to the kid and asked if he was lost, sick or hurt. The kid said, "No." Then the co-worker said, "Then SHUT UP!"

It worked.