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Is it okay for a stranger to contradict a parent disciplining his or her child?

2/23/2017

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​Scenario: I am shopping with my two kids. One is climbing on the edge of a refrigerator the other is about to follow. I ask both not to do that and to move out of the way of other customers trying to get to items inside the fridge. 
 
A woman, completely unknown to us, says; "that's okay. They're just kids."  Then addresses the kids telling them they are well behaved. 
 
Now, this was far from the first time I experienced this type of situation and I simply had had enough. I said just loud enough for the woman to hear me; "I wish people would stop contradicting me in front of my kids." The woman apologized and left.
 
Others opinions: I was accused of being rude to the "poor" woman because many are of the opinion that her actions were well intended. And I get that but... 
 
My point of view: how does contradicting a parent while disciplining his or her child lead to a positive outcome? I don't think they realize the long term negative impact this seemingly meaningless action carries. 
 
Basically, they are telling the child not to listen to his or her parent. Albeit not intentionally and not directly, but that is still the message they are conveying (in my opinion). 
 
If we go back a few decades, no stranger would have dared intervene while a parent disciplined his or her child. What happened? Why do some people feel like they have the right? 
 
The debatable point: What do you think? Is it okay to contradict parents in front of their kids? And why?

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    About this page

    In this section I will bring forth points that I have found myself debating with family, friends, and others. I know you may not agree with my view and that is why I bring these subjects to light. I want to hear all your opinions and views. I am hoping to spark some friendly debates. 
    I do ask that all responses be respectful. As the title states, the subjects are debatable and there are no wrong or right answers, only difference of opinion. Let's have fun with this. 

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