Disciplining in public is no big deal. Which would you rather see - an unruly child causing havoc and stress to the parent or a child put in its place by a parent whose discipline stands no matter who is present?

I have seen so many parents, usually mothers, completely powerless over their child's behaviour. If the child screams long and hard enough the parent will him it what it wants, just to keep it quiet. Of course this doesn't work for long and the screaming and appeasing escalates.

As a father of four boys I have always made it a point to show my sons that bad behaviour is not acceptable whether they be at home or visiting or shopping. Of course I always tried to be discreet, a little squeeze, that look, or if necessary a strong word. I didn't allow what others might say or might be thinking change my standards. Children very quickly catch on to situations where the parent is too embarrassed to discipline the child. The result is an unhappy and unruly child, and a stressed and equally unhappy parent.

My sons are grown now and have turned into respectful young men. I believe children do need discipline and if its consistent, and very important, that both parents agree, there will be less need for discipline. My wife and always made it clear that if mummy or daddy said something then the other was not going to say something else. of course some situations arise when one parent may engage the other parent in a discussion, possibly involving the child.

So if you want to say anything to a parent who is disciplining their child in public then commend them and thank them for their happy, well behaved child.

Now, as has already been mentioned in another hub (junomich) discipline can take many forms, and may even be interpreted as abuse. Obvious physical abuse should be addressed immediately, yes, but other verbal and emotional abuse is not so easy to intervene against. It is better to approach with a positive comment or an offer of practical help. If neither of these can be offered I would advise staying out of it. If you want to help then pray and send some positive energy to both parent and child. If you don't know how - try a smile :)

Jim Murdoch, LifeSuccess coach and speaker

http://www.wingsofchangelife.com
http://www.jmurdoch.com/