Disciplining MomsIs it acceptable to discipline another mother who “disciplines” your child? This was my status update on Facebook after a particularly shocking scenario I encountered. I got alot of feedback from moms. Most of it was definately pro laying the smackdown on the mom. A few moms wanted to know the exact scenario and a couple said they feel it is ok to discipline their friends' kids.
Discipling a friend's child? I agree on some level with that. When I have my friends over, I have a coffee table I am quite fond of. When I see their kids smashing toys on it I ask them gently to please smash the toys on the floor and not on the table. If they persisted I would go to plan B and threaten to take the toy away and then follow through with step C and take it away. This is how I taught Evan to quit smashing toys on the table. His Oma had a chuckle when she saw all his little cars on top of the fireplace and said they were evidence of all Evan's sins. I guess I have been blessed with friends who have very obedient children because I never have to get to plan B. They always seem to take heed at a polite request. As well, I know my friends love and care for Evan so if they need to straighten him out I trust their judgement and I respect their rules.
The shocking scenario I am referring to happened this weekend when I was standing in line with Evan waiting for a ride at Calaway Park. The woman standing in front of me has a daughter who is one of those annoying "he's looking at me, make him stop looking at me" creatures. Her daughter was annoyed with Evan playing with his fingers in the line up. To make a long story short the mom completely tore a strip off Evan. I was too stunned to say anything because Evan was just trying to entertain himself. I won't bore you with all the details. It was a 45 minute wait which makes for a long story but essentially this woman only knew her daughter was irritated and told Evan off without paying attention to the entire scenario. I was shaking the rest of the wait because I was so upset. I crouched down to Evan who had turned beet red and was cowering behind me and I gave him an affectionate kiss. I promised him the ride would come soon. When Evan got home he recounted the story to his dad and told him all about the mean lady. I am one of those people who hate confrontation and I don't function well under pressure when I am upset. I can always come up with those clever comebacks hours after the moment has passed. This particular case still has me stumped. How do you discipline another mom who has “discplined” (unfairly, I might add) your child and is this acceptable? According to my friends on Facebook, it should be ok. My hilarious but not quite so diplomatic friend suggested something about pimp-slapping her and another friend ventured I should try something between asking her politely “if there something going on here I should know about?” and straight out telling her not to “ talk to my child like that. If you have a problem, you talk to me and I will take it up with him”.
If the situation ever arises again, I may take my friend's advise. Depending on the situation I guess I will have to see which friend's advise I will heed (smile).
Comments
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