Why do people stare when a child misbehaves in public?

If my little pre-school brother misbehaved in public, our mother would immediately take him away to a more private place, and explain in words of one syllable that he was to straighten up and fly right. Otherwise she'd take him directly home, close him up in his room, and forbid any TV the rest of the day. Generally, if she had to do that, he'd climb into bed and go right to sleep, because he was at the end of his rope.

Often, being tired, hungry, or bored makes a very young child behave worse than usual. For example, we don't always have preschool child care during our church services, so some parents bring their babies and toddlers with them into the sanctuary. Their children climb up on them, babble and talk while the sermon is being given, and otherwise disrupt the service. This is not appropriate. Such casual behavior may be allowable at home, but the parents should be teaching the difference between public and home behavior, or else keep the little children home. Baby sitters are expensive, but sometimes they're essential.

Some churches have a special room with a window into the sanctuary, where the service is piped in and any commotion is not audible to the main congregation.

Our community runs an English-language class attended by young Hispanic mothers. They decided to move from one church to another one farther away, simply because there were no facilities for child care at the first one.

I try not to stare because I know exactly what it is like when my child acts up in public. I want to say something supportive to the mother, but I usually can't think of anything. Sometimes I watch for an extra second or two just to see if there is anything I can do to help her. Like if she needs someone to get her bags while she wrestles her toddler, but most moms are used to doing everything on their own.

Don't worry about people staring or making rude comments. Public tantrums will happen and people should know that the best way to prevent future tantrums is to ignore them. If they don't like it, they can leave.

People stare when you let your child misbehave in public because it's OBNOXIOUS. Creating a public disturbance is actually against the law. He may be 2 years old, but you are not. Since you insist upon inflicting your monster onto the public and you absolutely REFUSE TO CONTROL him, it seems perfectly reasonable that people stare at the shameful spectacle. If you don't want people to gawk, keep that **** off front street. smdh

Some people automatically associate what they perceive as a misbehaving child with their definition of bad/inefficient parenting. When a child screams, some people will assume he/she is in pain, feels frightened and/or unwell, so when a parent seemingly is doing nothing to console their child, the 'they must be a bad parent' attitude kicks in. Best you can do is choose to put your focus onto your child and not on the opinions of other people. You cannot control/change others, you are only responsible for your own thoughts, actions, reactions and behavior.

You seem to want answers telling you that people who stare are rude, but I doubt you'll get them in an etiquette section, where it's very clearcut that YOU are the one violating etiquette by not removing the child asap.

Most of what you said in your question and comments is irrelevant. It doesn't matter how or where you discipline your child, and bringing up CPS is laughable.

The only thing that matters is it's not ok to subject those around you to a toddler screaming. Nobody ever said it's easy, but your job is remove yourself and the child. People who stare are actually being polite, because the only other option is to tell you how to be a parent. And that is considered rude, too.

People stare, expecting you to contain your child and keep him under control without disrupting others while in public. No need to punish the child or to resort to hitting. Simply get up and remove your child from the situation until they calm down. Taking a cranky child out who has not napped is not fair to the child or anyone else within earshot. It's parenting skills that help us all take care of our children.

I chose, very carefully, when my children accompanied me in public. I was sure we left the house only after they napped, after they ate and after their diaper was changed. This makes for happy children during their short attention span so I could go out, in public, and get back home before they began wanting anything. It really works. Try it.

Let's face it, children can be a hand full, I know, I have raised two boys. Sure, people should be more patient, but especially if I am trying to have a meal, I do expect a parent to remove a disruptive child from that area until the child calms down.

People stare at any disruption of the norm. It is none of their business but disciple has to be at all times, not just at home.

Ignore the advice of others and discipline your child as you see fit. However I can tell you that a two year old can be expected to throw tantrums but as he gets older you need to get control of him or you will have a monster on your hands when he is fifteen.

Of course, you can't always arrange things to suit but a child should never be taken our when he is hungry or sleepy or sick. You are only asking for trouble. The best way to discipline a two year old, is to remove him from the store. You can shop at another time. This is the only way to discipline a two year old, You must remove him from the object of the problem or remove it from him.

At three he can be slightly reasoned with (oh happy day) but only briefly and for simple circumstances. Removal is still your best option but now you can say it is punishment. "If you don't behave you cannot stay in the store. I will just take you home." Then do it.

Yes,it is inconvenient. ALL parenting is inconvenient but those who take the time and trouble are rewarded with beautiful, happy and obedient children. There is no greater blessing. Best wishes.

Mother, grandmother, great,grandmother and great, great grandmother.

of 18.

It is a human reaction and a normal one. When a child issues one of those blood curdling ones it usually means something is really wrong and not that he is just having a temper tantrum. I found that a walk into the restroom and a bit of a talking to in that stern voice usually took care of the problem even with a 2 year old. Not disciplining simply tells the child the behavior is acceptable and obviously it isn't to other people.

If somebody causes a scene in public, people will stare. If it's a child throwing a temper tantrum, or screaming bloody murder because because his parents had the audacity not to give in to his demands, people will watch the action to see who wins. Some people will get pissed off & glare at the adult "in charge" or at the hell raising brat, because after a few minutes of this it really does grate on one's nerves. Your 2 year old may be going through a stage, but that doesn't mean should be allowed to get away with his naughty behavior. He needs to be corrected both at home & in public. He is a young child & can't be expected to teach himself how to control his outbursts. If you don't like people staring at the show your kid is putting on to control YOU, then don't put him in situations that cause his meltdowns. (naps before outings, etc.).

Allowing your child to shriek is the etiquette equivalent of shrieking yourself; surprise and dismay are normal responses to this sort of rudeness. If you "don't believe in" correcting your misbehaving child, then kindly remove your misbehaving child.

Added later after reading a few of this Asker's comments: Who let you out from under your bridge?