When To Step In?

[greatdad]

I've seen parents let their kids do some things in public that I wouldn't let mine do in private. One of the most annoying was when a mother was in line at a buffet and her young (4-5 year old) son had gone on to the dining room. He walked back and forth on a booth seat, but when he climbed on top of the table and stood up, I'd had enough. I told him to get down and about that time, here came mom. She gave me a dirty look, but didn't say anything. It's a good thing, too, or I would have been very vocal about her child rearing skills. Does anyone have any of their own stories to tell?

 

[Richie]

I can understand your reaction in this situation. (It sounds like Mom was caught out by leaving him unsupervised, which is probably why she didn't say anything in return.) I do tend to get involved if kids are not playing fair at the park, like pushing smaller ones aside to get on the slide and so on.

 

[danno]

It can be very difficult but in both those situations described, I'd also want to intervene. I am proud to say that my son has never let me down in this respect.

 

[Jessie]

Wow danno you must be one of the luckiest people I have ever met. All of my children and nieces and nephews have done something in public. I also tend to say something if it is out of hand like getting on a table or pushing smaller kids. And on the other side I have had one of mine talked to (for pushing) by another parent and I thanked them as I did not see it happen. My kids are great kids just sometimes they get something in thier head and are going to do it. This does not mean I am a bad parent or they are bad kids, just lack in judgment as we all have had at some point in life.

 

[Daddy-O]

I think even the most well behaved kids will mess up from time to time. My daughter has always been well behaved but sometimes she does try to show off. A stern talking to usually solves the problem.

 

[MickL]

I've seen parents let their kids do some things in public that I wouldn't let mine do in private. One of the most annoying was when a mother was in line at a buffet and her young (4-5 year old) son had gone on to the dining room. He walked back and forth on a booth seat, but when he climbed on top of the table and stood up, I'd had enough. I told him to get down and about that time, here came mom. She gave me a dirty look, but didn't say anything. It's a good thing, too, or I would have been very vocal about her child rearing skills. Does anyone have any of their own stories to tell?

It's a tough situation, but I think you have chosen the right time to step in. If I were in the situation though, I think I would talk to the mother first before directly talking to the kid.