Protective parents can feel confused by other parents' behavior. Usually, parents can be upset or angry when another adult disciplines their child by yelling at them, per Very Well Family. It can be very unnerving when another parent yells at their precious child, regardless of the place.
Brittany Schaffner, a crisis education supervisor for the Behavioral Health Pavilion and Nationwide Children's Hospital, told the outlet that such situations are often stressful for parents.
Thus, this can bring various emotions like shock, frustration, and worry. Nonetheless, pausing, recognizing one's feelings, and meditating before a conversation are essential. Rehearsing such will help you evaluate the situation and give you a moment to specify how you want to respond. It is natural for one's protective instincts to kick in, especially when another adult or parent yells at your child, regardless of whether or not they did something wrong. Thus, experts advise calming down and unwinding before jumping in to do or say something.
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Checking your child's status
Before having a conversation with the person who yelled at your child, it is crucial to check your child's status first. You want to be sure as well they are fine and try to determine what happened. Although you may not obtain a clear picture, partially, you will have an insight into your child's perception.
Laurie Holman, Ph.D., a psychoanalyst with clinical training in infant-parent, child-adolescent, and adult psychotherapy, notes that if parents do not understand what's on their child's mind, then parents can't decide what to do about it. If it's somewhat embarrassing for you as a parent that the other parent did not view your kid's behavior well, keep in mind that your priority is your child and not you or the other adult.
You can also ask the other parent how their child is doing without sounding caring and polite. You can also offer an apology if you feel one is needed; however, do not force your child to do what the other parent demands. Gardnerquadsquad added that yelling could have several adverse effects on children and make them feel unsafe.
Remaining calm despite the incident
Dr. Holman says children always come first. Usually, some adults demand apologies on the spot; hence, until you understand what was in your child's mind that prompted the action, you cannot make a split-second decision and have your kid feel like you are not their ally.
Schaffner added that to remain calm despite the situation, whether intense or not, pay attention to how you perceive yourself in public and watch out for your tone of voice and body language. As much as possible, try to discuss matters quietly and speak in a firm but respectful tone. Hence, try to be straightforward; Julia Chamberlain, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, explains as you begin to address the concern.
Also, note that you only try to understand what is happening to establish an action plan.
Romper suggests telling the other parent your techniques, such as "we don't do that discipline technique," and trying to explain everything briefly as much as possible.
