Echoes of the Past: Yelling at Strangers’ Kids in Modern Times

Many of us can recall instances from our childhood when strangers intervened to discipline unruly children. This article explores the prevalence and attitudes surrounding yelling at kids by strangers in the past and present, drawing from personal anecdotes and reflections.

Yelling at Kids: A Past Phenomenon

Recalling my childhood, growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, it was quite common for neighbors to intervene and even discipline misbehaving children. If a child was seen victimizing a younger or smaller child, a neighbor would step in and may even administer a swat on the child's bottom as a form of discipline. In one instance, my older brother was given a sound beating by a neighbor for his misdeeds, and my father called to thank the neighbor. Even if the intervention seemed harsh to us, the majority of the time, the misbehaving child likely deserved it.

The scenario depicted above was not uncommon during those times, and such actions were often viewed as a necessary discipline. However, today’s social and ethical norms have changed, and such behavior is often met with horror and disapproval. In the words of my experience, 'That kind of thing would never/hardly ever happen today.' The public discourse now places a higher emphasis on child safety and the rights of children, making such interventions less acceptable.

Yelling at Kids: A Modern Encounter

A recent encounter at an amusement park brought back memories of past behavior and starkly highlighted the differences in attitudes today. While waiting in line for the Log Plunge ride, I observed a woman saving a spot for her two children. Over the next few minutes, eight children in total walked up to where the mother was queuing, and by the end, I found myself frustrated. In a moment of losing my patience, I yelled at one of the last children, "Oh my god, why don't you just walk on the other side of the line!"

The amusement park had two sides to the line—one side where everyone was lined up and the other where no one was lined up. My intent was for the children to walk on the unoccupied side to avoid disrupting the line. I felt terrible for yelling at another child, but the situation only worsened when a staff member called for a group of three. My partner's hand was raised, and our group was allowed to bypass the remaining queue. The amusement park, in its wisdom, had its downsides. It brings out the best and worst in people.

Tales from the Workplace: Disciplining Children

Reflecting on my market research work in the 1980s, I recall an incident where I had to intervene to help a mother get her young daughter to put on a coat. The mother was pushing a shopping cart filled with packages, and the child was holding an infant while searching for a stylish pink parka with a hood. After requesting three times for the girl to put on the coat, I decided to step in. I gently said, "Put your arms up," to which the girl replied, "I don't want to." In my stern voice, I replied, "I DID NOT ASK WHAT YOU WANTED, I TOLD YOU TO PUT YOUR ARMS UP NOW." The mother caught up to us, and after a brief exchange, she acknowledged, "I gave you a chance, if strangers have to make you behave that's on you." The girl put her arms up, and I swiftly handed the coat to her. The mother thanked me as she passed, and I wondered about the girl in the pink parka.

These stories from bygone times illustrate a different era where the norms of child discipline were less rigidly enforced by parents and more by the broader community. It also showcases how our attitudes towards such actions have evolved with time, reflecting the changing societal values on rights and safety.

Conclusion

The instances of yelling at kids by strangers in both the past and present are indicative of how times have changed. While the actions of my past seemed more common and acceptable, today's scenario reflects a shift in societal attitudes towards child behavior and intervention. As we navigate these changes, it is crucial to balance our rights and responsibilities in ensuring the well-being of children.