I went to lunch today w/girlfriends, an upscale place that is for adults. A family brought their small child, I'd say around age 4 but I'm not sure. We weren't even seated yet and we asked to be moved. That kid screamed such a high pitched scream, it's a wonder dogs didn't come running. And she kept it up w/no reprimand from anyone at the table. She wasn't crying, just screaming b/c she wasn't getting her way about something. (I know this b/c I heard Mom (I think it was her mom) say "I said 'no'".) She stood up on the chair and let 'er rip. Management moved us and never did say anything to the adults at that table. That's not what I call a reprimand from Mom and it certainly isn't teaching the child anything except if you scream loud enough and long enough, you'll get your way.

I'm not anti-kid. I used to be one. And if I had behaved like that in public or anywhere, it would've been the last time my parents would've taken me to a restaurant and the same goes for my son. I would never tolerate such behavior. However, there's a way to discipline kids, especially ones that aren't being bad but just being rambunctious kids and grabbing them by the face is not the way. I've bitten my tongue more often than not when kids act up in public but if I should see one being manhandled like that, I'll have to speak up. I'm not one for meddling in the business of others, especially when it comes to child rearing. I'm also not one to stand by and watch a child, animal or elderly person be abused, neglected or humiliated. It makes my heart sore to see such things and I could never live w/myself if I didn't speak up.