X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

When is it ok for you to discipline someone else’s child?

3 min read
When is it ok for you to discipline someone else’s child?

Is it ever ok to discipline someone else's child? What are the boundaries?

If you encounter plenty of kids on a regular basis, you’ll likely come across bad behavior that’d make you want to intervene. But the reality is, we can’t just step in and start disciplining other people’s children—how would you feel if a complete stranger went up to your child and started scolding them?

So what you should do when you see a playground bully messing around with your child? Alan Kazdin, author of The Everyday Parenting Toolkit, told Fatherly that there are only two situations when you can intervene with someone else’s child:

(1) When someone’s life is in danger.
(2) If you know the child and the parent well, and the guidance you’re offering is very minor.

discipline someone elses child

Photo: Shutterstock

Kazdin’s advice is wise—after all, we can’t just go out and discipline every single child we see misbehaving, or we’d make enemies everywhere we go. If we’re never going to see a child again or if the offense is just minor, you can let things slide. But what should we do when the child is a guest at your home? It varies from situation to situation, but here are some helpful rules to help you along, compiled from Parents and Metro Parent.

6 Guidelines to follow when disciplining other people’s kids

1. Don’t lose your cool

Even if the child does something dangerous or destructive, don’t ever spank or yell. Correct his behavior calmly, but don’t punish.

2. Agree on consequences beforehand

If you’re going to be in charge of someone else’s kid, talk to the parent first about the rules and discipline strategies beforehand.

Read more tips on disciplining other people’s kids on the next page.

3. Set the ground rules

If you don’t tell a child the house rules, how can she follow them? Take some time to tell her the rules so she knows the boundaries.

4. Don’t sweat the small stuff

You don’t step in if a child just offends you a little bit—if they don’t say please or thank you or if they make a mess, for example. Pick your battles.

discipline someone elses child

Photo: Shutterstock

5. Don’t single out a child

Disciplining a child in front of his friends will only embarrass him. Instead, you can redirect the entire group’s energies by suggesting another activity or letting them take a break.

6. ‘Fess up

If you ever lose your temper and speak sharply to another child, call up the child’s parent and explain your side of the story. It’s best that they hear it from you first. You’d probably even get some sympathy.

READ: “You have 5 minutes to discipline your child or I will do it,” cafe owner tells parents

Be sure to check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful stories, questions, and answers from parents and experts alike. If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

Partner Stories
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available
13 Must-haves for Your Online Baby Checkout Checklist
13 Must-haves for Your Online Baby Checkout Checklist
Why Knowing Children’s Current Academic Ability Can Help them Advance in School
Why Knowing Children’s Current Academic Ability Can Help them Advance in School

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Cristina Morales

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Parent's Guide
  • /
  • When is it ok for you to discipline someone else’s child?
Share:
  • Your toddler hit you? Here's how you should respond

    Your toddler hit you? Here's how you should respond

  • When love is not enough: Breathing new life into your marriage

    When love is not enough: Breathing new life into your marriage

  • ‘You’re the best!’ Your belief in your kids’ academic ability can actually improve their grades

    ‘You’re the best!’ Your belief in your kids’ academic ability can actually improve their grades

  • Your toddler hit you? Here's how you should respond

    Your toddler hit you? Here's how you should respond

  • When love is not enough: Breathing new life into your marriage

    When love is not enough: Breathing new life into your marriage

  • ‘You’re the best!’ Your belief in your kids’ academic ability can actually improve their grades

    ‘You’re the best!’ Your belief in your kids’ academic ability can actually improve their grades

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at update sa pag-aalaga ng baby at kanilang kalusugan.