Do you believe in disciplining your child(ren) in public? Like spanking, yelling, etc...?

Question

I have seen some mothers and dad's too who, in my opnion take it too far, to me unless it was something major that the kid did, any and all discpline should be done away from everyones prying eyes...

Answer 1

I believe they should be disiplined everywhere, but if it comes to yelling and spanking, it shouldnt be done anywhere, especially in public. Kids do need stern disipline, if it gets that bad though.*

Answer 2

I will start by saying that I do not have kids, so my answer may not be completely valid, but:

I believe there are two rules that should be observed when disciplining children:

1. The purpose of discipline is to teach the child how to behave.
2. Discipline should never be carried out on pure anger.

With this in mind, public discipline may or may not be acceptable. If the negative public attention would (in the parent's opinion) help the child to understand (s)he has misbehaved, then yes it would be acceptable.

But, if the parents are just disciplining their children because they are mad and they want to take out their frustrations, then that's wrong.

I believe the same principle applies to spanking: The parent should not just automatically resort to spanking because (s)he's angry with the child: instead, the parent should calm down and then rationally decide whether or not spanking would be the most appropriate punishment.

Answer 3

Well, discipline covers a lot besides spanking, yelling, etc., so it it certainly can be appropriate to the public setting.

Of course, if you see an adult striking a child you can't automatically assume the adult is the child's parent.

Answer 4

I really don't have problems with my children when we are in public. They know the rules and are reminded of them before we leave home. If I have a problem, I quietly explain to them that they need to behave or we will leave, go home and they will not be allowed to return with me the next time. It works.

I have heard people yelling at their children and seen them slapping them, it is sad. Children learn by example, and that type of discipline only makes it worse. I really don't see that as discipline, more like a parent out of control.
Children are not brats by their own doing and deserve a little more care, love and understanding than some give them.

Answer 5

I don't have kids, I don't want kids. In fact I don't even like kids. But I think it is important for a parent to 'discipline' their child in public so they learn how to behave and be polite. I don't believe in physically punishing a child, but they child DOES need to know how to behave in public. Think about it, when you are at the grocery store would you rather see a mother tell a kid no, in what ever way she finds effective, when it is screaming it'd head off for a toy that they don't have the money for? Or see a mother ignore her child, let it scream and scream just because she doesn't feel it is right to 'punish' her child in public.

I like Breezy's idea. And it sounds very effective. That is what my mom always did with me.

Answer 6

Heck, crazy people report parents all the time for child abuse, when it is not the case. We used to just take our kids out in the car and discuss the issue and then go back to shopping or whatever. Then deal with the situation at home later.

Answer 7

Now I can understand telling a child to stop or settle down but some parents overreact. I have seen children grabbed and jerked by the arm and screamed at like they shot someone. I mean for God's Sake they are just kids. And as far as spanking goes I also see parents who take spanking to a new level its like child abuse!

Answer 8

No a stern look in public should be enough also firmness,you can wait till you get home if you spare the rod you spoil the child

Answer 9

No not really....but there are times when it is hard not to swat at our little boy in public. For whatever reason he is sooooo sweet and good at home but then you take him to a store or restaraunt and all hell breaks loose. It is terrible and when he is screaming and hollering and carrying on like a monkey I just feel like giving him a little swat! But I don't...and that is most likely the reason he does thiese things in public and not at home.

Answer 10

I disciplined my children when they misbehaved---not 2 hours later after we got home and they had forgotten the moment. I spanked their behind when it was needed. They are now 21 and 26. It's insane how same parents totally ignore their children's misbehavior in public.