[blparent] discipline

[Jan Wright]

sometimes, I do think that your children need to be scolded a bit in public.
Not cussed at and in no way talked to rudely.
But:  Firm and rude are two different concepts.
I see way too many mothers who do "nothing."
their child is running through the store, being terrors to the other customers, touching and playing with things that should not be played with and are allowed to be quite rude themselves:
and 
if parents say anything at all, it is:
"Now hun, don't do that, ok???"
... in that sing song voice that drips with fake kindness.
Why do parents ask children"OK?" as if "is it ok with you that I discipline you?"
and, why do parents feel bad about teaching their children some manners.
sure, children are going to be children.
But, if we let children get away with saying:
"Wow Mommy, that lady is fat!"
or
"Can't you just give it to me for free?"
or 
inappropriate bad language because somehow, "it is cute when a three year old says it and... really, she doesn't know any better, she does not know what she is saying."
then, what do we expect when they are adults?

I would first make my discipline only a matter between us.
I might whisper in the ear or say it softly.
But, if they continued to seek public attention, then, it warranted a public response.
Not a show of spanking... ...
not a shameful bashing,
but a public repremand.
with the issues that surround us as blind parents, some children know that they can play on sighted people's sympathies.
You have to make sure that you don't let your child control the situation... ... especially with unacceptable behavior.