Telling off a friends child

[GreatestShowUnicorn]

Back story is I have a friend of about 7 years whose children’s behaviour (boy 12 and girl 9) is totally out of control she tried unsuccessfully to deal with it but struggles to maintain it and can’t stick to a strategy or a consequence. Spent tonight with them and had dinner, children’s behaviour through dinner was rude and lots of showing off (we are regular visitors so not the excitement or novelty) the eldest was even more badly behaved than usual over dinner. Made our excuses and left quickly after dinner eldest walked us to the car and I had a bit of a go at them about how bad their behaviour was and they laughed. I said no I wasn’t joking I was serious they were old enough to know better and should be mortified by their behaviour. Friend had stayed in the house tidying up so wasn’t their. I’m worried I’ve over stepped friend and I are very close but still worried she’ll be annoyed if DC tells her. I know I was probably being unreasonable for telling off someone else’s child but I do know them very well and they are old enough to know better.

""I remember my son's 7 year old saying "Dad is he allowed to spank me". The answer was "All of our friends are if you misbehave"."""

Sorry but Letting "friends" hit young children is terrible parenting.

Yanbu

You're a family friend and just had a talk with the kid when he walked you out

I don't think it sounds sneaky as it just happened. Not like you purposely waited until they were alone to have a pop

Wtf @cdtaylornats

As their mum wasn't there, I'd have been more tempted to tell them how their behaviour is difficult for their mum and disrespectful to her.

@dwiz8

Yanbu

You're a family friend and just had a talk with the kid when he walked you out

I don't think it sounds sneaky as it just happened. Not like you purposely waited until they were alone to have a pop

I think OP knows there is an element of sneakiness here or maybe that’s the wrong word let’s say not being up front OP sounds like she had every right to speak up... she clearly thought that at the table before rushing off and not saying a word

Now OPs worried in case the kids relay to their mum!
Once I went downstairs in a restaurant and left my child with a friend and her kids. When I came back my friend just mentioned she told my Son off and her Son off for teasing her daughter. I had no problem it’s best just to say and be upfront.

Thanks for the feedback I did say how their mum did everything for them and the way they treated her awful. I’ve spoken to her today and all seems fine.

@cdtaylornats very different. I dont believe anyone should hit children. But parents friends hitting their kids is horrendous. I cant understand how someone would think that was ok.