[Nyela]

Yes, I also think you went to far. For some of the same reasons mentioned in this thread. There are some professionals that are REQUIRED to report suspected abuse or evidence of possible or potential abuse.

If this child is acting out in this way, he could have all sorts of things going on in his mind. He may be having a hard time dealing with his mother getting married. He could have had a bad day with one of his friends. He could have thought about something a child did to him at school last week. Any number of reasons would make a child his age act out like it's the end of the world. I agree with you telling the child he could voice his opinion but he should do it in a calm, respectful manner. But friend, you would need to show him how to do that. In this day and age with big brother watching EVERYWHERE, you really might want to work on developing a little restraint until you are in a private place. And even then handle it with care. Cameras in the store. Cameras on cell phones. The last thing you need is to have a video posted on Utube asking the same question you posed to our group.

You could have tried ignoring the child or leaving the store. Things are so easily mis interpreted these days. It's better to be safe and have your freedom intact than to discipline in such a manner because you feel it keeps your "respect" intact.

I wish you luck though Gumbo. Blending families can be very difficult. And being the outsider is awfully hard. Been there.