How I deal with STUPID parents...

cool

I can also think of someone that shouldn't have a dog...

good Idea

good way to handle things

I try to ignore those parents unless they say something directly to myself and or my kids. There are times I might say something to my kids in regards of how to behave properly, but I do it very discreetly, so I don't run the risk of causing a problem.

Shannon,

I know a few of those people too!

I read that. I would have gasped loud enough that mother would hear

Hmm...of course you don't really know the situation and could be humiliating someone who needs a break or some compassion. Maybe saying something kind to them and their children could be a better way to go.

Yep! that was dumb.
Why woud any one want to put that image into their kids head?
Especially that of a 3 year old?

What is stupid as far as parenting goes to one person, may not be to another. It's all how a parent and child interact and relate, and there's not really a "wrong way" or a "right way."

I may not agree with a woman who thinks nothing of spanking her child in the middle of a store or something, but I'm not going to say anything to her, or even my own children about it.

To me, unless it's an obvious case of abuse or something, there's no point in "calling someone out" on their "stupid parenting" and there's no reason to say anything to my kids or anyone else. Again, what one person thinks is stupid parenting, may work quite well for another.

What we see out in public is not a true indicator of a person's parenting skills or how they deal with their kids on a daily basis, etc.

I think giving the Mom a break is in order here.

Like others have said, it wasn't the best thing she could ahve said to her child, but on the other hand- who knows if that child has a bad habit of trying to wander off, and maybe the lady was at wit's end because she couldn't get through to her child.

And honestly, while horrible to say, it illustrates what a real danger is out there to children who get abducted or "snatched."

While I likely wouldn't ever say something like that to my children, I do know that some kids don't seem to "get it" when you tell them repeatedly not to wander off, some get outright defiant, and sometimes a "scare tactic" is the only way to get through to them.

Did Mom mess up? Absolutely. But none of us knows the entire story, and honestly, I don't think any of us need to be getting our feathers ruffled over it. The alternative to her using a scare tactic to keep her child right with her, is terrifying in and of itself.

I've done this before in the grocery store......doesnt always work...lol...

You are so right!~

I agree with Samantha, again!

"Instead of saying something to the adult and making them irrate and mad at me, I say something directed at my kids to get the point across! I've gotten dirty looks for it before but I don't really care!"

I never put my children in the middle of a disagreement like that. I believe that adults need to be direct and clear with each other. By talking through the child, you are teaching the children that passive and aggressive methods of communication are acceptable. It won't be that way for your children when they grow up. They will surely get rejected in places that matter, such as the workplace, if they behave that way. Parents are always modeling for their children. So, learning how to be assertive and to direct your statements to the person you mean them for is a very important skill.

i know a few idiotic parents myself!

I don't ever say anything to anyone about the way they are parenting if I don't know them. I try really hard not to criticize anyone in front of my child either. I don't want my child to think he can make snap judgments on someone's character after only being around then for a few seconds.

I try not to make snap judgments on anyone's parenting skills based on a brief interaction I may witness. However if I see a stressed out parent I do try to say a kind word to them or at least smile at them. Sometimes that is all it takes to get them to simmer down. Not to mention a kind word of two does show by example a good way to respond to someone.

Samantha made some good points on this one.

i know some people who should have been sterilized at birth nothing makes me angrier than when someone hurts a child.

Thank God I am not a parent........

much better way to handle things.

Some parents really are stupid and it makes me so sad for their poor children. I generally just stare at them with obvious disgust and/or shock.

Since I've done and said some really stupid things myself - usually when I'm at my wit's end - I try to give the parent the benefit of the doubt. That being said, there are truly some things a person should never do or say to a child and filling a three year old with the image of a headless person qualifies, IMHO.

Usually I just ignore them.

I would've given her a If looks could kill, you'd be dead look!!!!!

THANKS FOR SHARING...

I think a if looks could kill look works good too

I never say anything to strangers, because it's none of my business. I would never say anything to my son (at this point he doesn't particularly notice these types of situations) unless he asked me questions. Then I would wait and discuss it with him privately.

While I don't agree with what the mother said by any means, I do think that Samantha has some valid points. No, we don't know the situation (although if child wanders too much I think it's mom's responsiblity to keep her in a stroller or on a "child leash" for her protection) and I do think people freak out when they see/hear things they don't practice themselves.

It's all a matter of opinion and personal preference.

A good idea.

I found out when our children were small that it is just best to let the parents learn themselves

Thanks for sharing... I am sorry for the Generic comment but I am way behind.