Is it OK to discipline someone else's child?

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Is it OK to discipline someone else's child?

View Results
  • 77197
    Yes. It's OK to say something, but leave the actual discipline up to his/her parent or guardian.
    34%
  • 77198
    No. Take it up with the parent. You shouldn't address the child directly.
    7%
  • 77199
    Maybe. It depends on how close the child's parent is. But if they're not nearby and safety is involved, you should definitely speak up.
    58%

VoteTotal Votes: 544

We've all been there. Someone else's child is acting up, being unsafe or acting inappropriately and we're faced with the dilemma? Do we say something or just bite our tongues?

Results with 7 short comments
Total of 544 votes - click on the "Display Comments" bar below to sort comments

34.4%
Yes. It's OK to say something, but leave the actual discipline up to his/her parent or guardian.
187 votes
7.2%
No. Take it up with the parent. You shouldn't address the child directly.
39 votes
58.5%
Maybe. It depends on how close the child's parent is. But if they're not nearby and safety is involved, you should definitely speak up.
318 votes
Display Comments:
Yes. It's OK to say something, but leave the actual discipline up to his/her parent or guardian.

It has become unreal how many parents let their kids run amok. When mine makes a scene we leave. It's only fair to others

    #1
     - sugarponies
     - 1:08 pm EST on Mon Jan 4, 2010
    Yes. It's OK to say something, but leave the actual discipline up to his/her parent or guardian.

    I guess it depends on more than 1 factor of safety. Our life group, whom we are close to, says that this is one of the best things we have

      #2
       - Jeff-236633
       - 1:33 pm EST on Mon Jan 4, 2010
      Yes. It's OK to say something, but leave the actual discipline up to his/her parent or guardian.

      A simple verbal warning is reasonable, if the child's behavior is inappropriate, dangerous, or beyond normal child playfulness.

        #3
         - JmetheSad
         - 2:57 pm EST on Mon Jan 4, 2010
        Maybe. It depends on how close the child's parent is. But if they're not nearby and safety is involved, you should definitely speak up.

        I wouldn't discipline someone's child but I'd take a steak knife away from them! If a child won't follow my rules, he/she gets to go home!

          #4
           - Alice-354401
           - 3:02 pm EST on Mon Jan 4, 2010
          Yes. It's OK to say something, but leave the actual discipline up to his/her parent or guardian.

          I appreciate adults guiding my kids toward good decisions if I am not there. An appropriate chat as an incident occurs makes a lesson stick

            #5
             - MomLearnsToo
             - 3:14 pm EST on Mon Jan 4, 2010
            Maybe. It depends on how close the child's parent is. But if they're not nearby and safety is involved, you should definitely speak up.

            If the child is about to suffer physical harm, yes.

              #6
               - Utah Soccer Mom
               - 3:45 pm EST on Mon Jan 4, 2010
              Yes. It's OK to say something, but leave the actual discipline up to his/her parent or guardian.

              Thats depends on the character of that particalar child.There is nothing wrong to show him/here the right/wrong things if u care.

                #7
                 - RICHARD MOTLHANKANE
                 - 8:48 am EST on Wed Jan 6, 2010

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                Discuss this post

                Comment author avatarRay Beswick

                I realy don't think that someone else has that right just because they are not their dad or mom!!!

                  Reply#1 - Mon Jan 4, 2010 2:41 PM EST
                  Comment author avatarmindyg

                  If my family were at a wedding and one of my children ahead of us in a buffet line was touching food, blocking the way for adults, or had their hair in a dish, please say something, I don't want to be embarrased. If my kids are not grasping simple kindness, or good manners, point it out gently to them. But please remember "do unto others" don't embarrass them, a gentle wisper or a little eye catch will work. If I see children way out of control in a store or public place, I simply ask if they have a mother, that tends to work.

                    Reply#2 - Mon Jan 4, 2010 4:10 PM EST
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