I have experience as a caregiver and I’m cognizant of the increasing numbers of children with a wide variety of behaviour problems that tend to become stressed out in public places.

While I appreciate the fact that most parents try to anticipate the triggering of behavioural outbursts and to avoid them, I do not buy into the “cut them some slack” thinking. Once the outburst commences it’s absolutely unacceptable to expect that others will stand around waiting for it to subside and will cheerfully look forward to waiting out the next child in lines “melt-down” too.

“Melt-down” behaviour is not tolerated in other indoor places of work and likewise should be tolerated at outdoor places of work like at Farmers’ Markets. Those who pay to be in a time limited spot to sell their products to willing customers are not required and do not desire to cope with “melt-downs”. Serving their customers is already enough to cope with.

Coping with a defiant or disturbed child’s “melt-down” is a parental responsibility. It is not a “village” responsibility. It’s neither in the best interests of the child nor of those trying to make a living to be compelled or coerced into waiting out “melt-downs” in their place of work and the resulting loss of sales.

Children learn by repetition and an audience is what some appear to be seeking. This is why I argue that waiting out socially unacceptable behaviour in public places is not in the best interests of society.

My policy is simple – if a child is not behaving well in a public place then it’s the responsibility of the parent or guardian to remove the child and to deal with their issues.

If you don’t agree with my policy then I suggest that we agree to disagree, without becoming disagreeable.

Best wishes to you and your child.