“A Screaming Brat is a Screaming Brat” – Parents Debate Discipline in Disney Parks

Disney Parks are a collecting point for tens of thousands of people from all over the world, and while cast members work to establish a uniform level of behavior, certain things like parental discipline continue to be a matter of some debate.

WARNING: The following article mentions and/or discusses topics that may be distressing for certain audiences. Viewer discretion is advised. 

It is not a stretch to say that each new day brings new temper tantrums to places like Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. And each temper tantrum sparks its own familiar disciplinary measures.

The conversation about proper discipline–as well as the proper description of child abuse–has been trending once again among Disney parents after a recent report highlighted one instance where a child was spanked in public, and security didn’t do anything about it.

One woman commented,

When I was a kid in the 60’s, if you acted up you got taken to the bathroom for an attitude adjustment. Couple of snacks on the butt is not child abuse. However, a beating constitutes being smacked several times and not always on the rear.
I’ve been to parks where a screaming brat throwing a temper tantrum can ruin your whole experience.
The longer you let it go, the worse it will get.

The comment attracted its own level of criticism, including one person who said,

You are whats wrong with the world. A “screaming brat” isn’t a child throwing a tantrum! But simply a child in need of something from their parent! They are unable to communicate their needs in that moment so they cry out. Educate yourself better. This isn’t the 1960’s.

The original commenter replied by saying,

Educate yourself. If a child is throwing a tantrum in public needs to go to the bathroom for a attitude adjustment.

She was supported by a few commenters as well, including one who said,

I hate to say this but a screaming brat is a screaming brat. My children and my grandchildren all know what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. I have some of these at Disney/dw/and others. they were screaming and throwing a fit because parent said no to this or that. that is a brat. so maybe you need to educate yourself.

Each side in the conversation remained undeterred with their belief. Regardless of where this conversation goes, though, there will always be those guests who are not afraid to use a sandal to silence their kids in public and those who think that laying any hand on a kid is child abuse.

What does appear clear, though, is that the debate continues on the internet and not in the heat of the moment in front of a beloved ride. At least, that is the way it is staying for now.

What are your thoughts on the sensitive issue of discipline in Disney Parks? Tell Disney Fanatic about it in the comments below.