Shouting at my 8 year old in public

[Bobbletwist]

On a walk with DS today and his younger brother. DS repeatedly tried to trip his younger brother over, this is after other mean behaviour throughout the day. In the middle of a busy path I snapped and really shouted at him. We aren't normally a shouty family. Not at all.

He burst into tears and asked me why I was being so harsh and to get away from him. Lots of onlookers. Just feel really awful for losing my temper really.

You don't need to feel embarrassed at all, there are lots of occasions where children misbehave, and need to be told off,or shouted at. I wouldn't worry about the told off child crying at all.

You've delivered a logical consequence. The focus of emotional concern after that should be on your other wee lad. Pay the histrionics no attention

I spoke very sternly (& loudly) to my 3 year old the other day - I apologised to the passers by & was praised them!?

I think people would rather see parents discipline their kids then let them run riot & do what ever they want.

Do NOT feel bad! He won’t do it again, in public anyway

I think this is fine. Child needs to be told off, child gets told off. Shouting is preferable to ineffectively pussy-footing around out-of-control behaviour. If he doesn't like being shouted at, he should behave.

It's okay. He is just embarrassed about being called out for his behaviour. Bet he is nicer to his brother for a while.

@Blacktothepink

I have more respect for parents who I see correcting behaviour in public than the ones ignoring it.

This^