Dear Abby

Dear Abby

dearabby.com
The most widely syndicated columnist in the world. Providing common sense solutions to everyday problems.
Dear Abby Asked by Dear Abby
7/7/2020

Should adults discipline other people's children?

48%
Yes

12

52%
No WINNER

15

48%
Yes

12 Comments
Takia Edwards
0
Takia Edwards

If the child is not respecting my home or property and the parent just sits while their child runs rampant, I politely ask the child to stop or tell the parent to go home.

Reply
Vickie Coles
0
Vickie Coles

Adults should be able to respectfully. I grew up where every neighbor watched out for each other's kids. It is all about how one does it. So you know the child or parent. Lots of factors.

Reply
Crissy Babin
0
Crissy Babin

As long as you get the ok from the parents.

Reply
James Mollohan Sr.
0
James Mollohan Sr.

Yes, because this day in age, if you don't discipline them, nobody will

Reply
Jesse Wood
0
Jesse Wood

only by talking to them not hitting

Reply
Barry Rashford
0
Barry Rashford

It depends on whose kids and the discipline I would use is talking not hitting or shouting.

Reply
Barry Rashford
0
Barry Rashford

Yes if the child is left in my care then I have to say something. Also If you are together with the family I see nothing wrong with saying something. Nothing physical.

Reply
Joyce Koch
0
Joyce Koch

If the parent isn't paying attention to their child you could gently ask the child to stop.

Reply
Diane Ullman
0
Diane Ullman

Yes is qualified based upon *the age of the child *the offense in question *how close the parents are *the degree of danger to the child or children *NO touching of the child EVER.

Reply
Betsy Meyers
0
Betsy Meyers

Only on incidents that are disturbing others and parents are ignoring; restaurants come to mind, and other public rude acts.

Reply
Mica Bryan
0
Mica Bryan

I actually think No, but there are situations when people need to step in and "help" a struggling parent out. Especially if there is abuse or neglect happening. it takes a village often.

Reply
Heidi Ludwig
0
Heidi Ludwig

I voted yes. The reason I voted yes pertains to generation X and millennials whom have children they aren't parenting.

Reply

52%
No

15 Comments
Thomas Kieft
1
Thomas Kieft

No, unless authorized by parent (such as a teacher or babysitter), and never physical discipline.

Reply
Evelyn Robinson
1
Evelyn Robinson

Children should receive instruction and guidance from their parents or another adult to whom the parent has authorized. Children should not be taught to obey just any adult for safety reasons.

Reply
Linda Jeffcoat Amick
1
Linda Jeffcoat Amick

Not in this day and age! It was OK back when I was growing up.

Reply
Fozzie Bear
0
Fozzie Bear

Nope, no way. They will learn soon enough the world will punish them. It should only come from your parents when you are a kid.

Reply
Robin Kennedy
0
Robin Kennedy

It is not something I'd ever feel comfortable doing. That is for the parent to decide. If the child is out of control and the parent wont do something, I'll just try and avoid them. It isnt my place.

Reply
ANNA PETERSON
0
ANNA PETERSON

this is how abuse can start. i had a classmate that tried to discipline me, it ended up as abuse. i now have ptsd and am terrified to talk to guys

Reply
s blossom
0
s blossom

As a rule no. But i have when the behavior was dangerous for them or another child when the parent clearly was not going to.

Reply
Catherine Wood Alexander
0
Catherine Wood Alexander

Not unless they have permission and are close to the family.

Reply
Matt Bass
0
Matt Bass

Depends on your definition of "discipline." If it's "to teach," sure...if it's "to punish," as many think, then generally no.

Reply
Dee Greene
0
Dee Greene

Whisper to the parents about the annoyance and hope they are smart enough to act

Reply
Lexy Porter Banks
0
Lexy Porter Banks

Most parents know their child is misbehaving and are either ignoring the bad behavior or too tired to deal with it...again. Disciplining other people's children undermines their parenting.

Reply
Karen Daw
0
Karen Daw

Different parents have different discipline methods, so disciplining someone else’s child can cause confusion or upset.

Reply
Carlos A Gomez A
0
Carlos A Gomez A

Call/report it to the police. Don't get involved.

Reply
Theresa Pedro
0
Theresa Pedro

Because they are not that child's parent. Come find me and I will do it. There discipline methods might be different than mine.

Reply
Sophie Fox
0
Sophie Fox

While some kids do need it, it is not okay. You wouldn't want them doing it to your kid. Also, some people believe in stronger/harder punishments that you don't agree with. They might harm your child.

Reply
Do you own an “ugly Christmas sweater”?
Dear Abby Asked by Dear Abby
1 year left

Do you own an “ugly Christmas sweater”?

Yes

0

No

0

Yes

0 Comment
No one has commented yet

No

0 Comment
No one has commented yet
Do you frequent an outdoor farmer’s market?
Dear Abby Asked by Dear Abby
1 year left

Do you frequent an outdoor farmer’s market?

Yes

0

No

0

Yes

0 Comment
No one has commented yet

No

0 Comment
No one has commented yet

We use cookies to ensure you get the best possible experience on our website. Learn more OK, GOT IT