Those who are afraid that their brand of discipline will subject them to police reports if done in public should investigate alternative ways of public discipline. As I think about the lip-ripping-whisperer, in addition to the fact of a stranger's speaking to the kid, and what he said, one other reason it was effective was that he got down to the child's level to speak. Parents tend to say or holler out corrections that probably sound like Charlie Brown's teacher, when it is far more effective to kneel down, make sure you have their attention, LISTEN to them, and then remain firm in what you expect of them and the consequences if they persist in behaving badly. Parents need a clear understanding of acceptable behavior, need to communicate that to their children, need to engage with the children and need to follow through on reasonable consequences (spankings and swats are hardly ever truly effective in my experience, and I don't think do much to improve the overall relationship). It won't spare them from the embarrassment of a tantrum, but over time the rules become better ingrained than they would with absent-minded yelling, emotional spanking and the like. As for shop owners, totally agree kids need to be kept on a short (metaphorical beyond a certain age) tether and not taken if they are particularly destructive. But yes, do remember your audience. And don't be afraid to show little ones in a positive way the right way to investigate something of interest ("no, we can't pull the petals off, but look over here, do you see how the new leaves are brighter green," etc.). Trust me, a relaxed parent will buy more from you. :-)

Oh yeah, homemade ice cream is definitely worth the trouble. I like the mocha brownie chunk, I got the recipe here. Elery loves butter pecan, I make it with brown sugar from another recipe I also got here. I have one of those little Cuisinart ice cream makers that you put the insert in the freezer. 20 minutes and I can have ice cream, or that prickly pear sorbet that Sol pointed me to, or frozen yogurt or a zillion things. Oh yeah, definitely worth it. I seldom top ice cream, although I've been known to make a chocolate malted out of it. The Monkey Princess and Bruvver like fudge sauce for their ice cream, and sprinkles. Annie

My son is exactly 24 months. Our bedtime situation was similar to this too. He hated his crib and would scream until he vomited (the guilt over that was more than I could handle!!) so we got him a "big boy bed" but he wouldn't stay in it so we put up the pack n play for him to sleep in. And bedtime was a nightmare until we figured out how to make it more fun. First, we learned that he responds best when you make a game out of it. We read books and we tell him he gets to choose three books then it's time for bed. Giving him time limits for something works for us. For example if he swimming, he will throw a screaming fit if I say okay time to go and pluck him out of the pool. But if I say "we have to get out soon" then give him 5 more minutes then say "Okay time to get out" he's fine. So when we get to the 3rd book I say one more then it's time for bed and he's fine (sometimes we read the same book 3 times). We also make a big production out of giving hugs and kisses. Then I explain "if you get out of your big boy bed we're going to move you to the pack n play" and every night he gets out of his big boy bed (with a big grin) so I make him help me move his pillow and blanket to the pack n play. He always runs off again before we're done so I go after him with the "fee fi fo fum" scoop him up one last hug and kiss for Daddy then he usually goes to bed without another peep. It's the same every night and we all look forward to it. However, some nights it seems harder for him to settle down but I've found that if I give him about 10 minutes then go back in hold him close and rock him like a baby and sing talk softly into his ear telling him I love him and it's time to go to sleep (for about 5 minutes) then he settles right down. The only time this has failed is when it turns out he's getting sick. He's prone to getting ear infections, poor baby.

Add me to Lynn's vote for an adult only section. Our Sunday paper had an article by a woman who spoke about taking her toddler to the art museum, where her daughter ran shrieking with delight through the halls, garnering "stern looks' from the docents, especially since mom could barely keep up with the child who was trying to touch the installations. The author thought this was all fine because her daughter was entertained. Just a few moments ago, TG read a trip advisor review of the TItan Missle launch museum. Some guy was completely put out because he and his 18 month old were asked to leave. He explained that the child was yelling because he frustrated that he was not allowed to touch everything. He proclaimed the site to be "not toddler friendly". Ya think?? I understand that children need to have the opportunity to learn how to conduct themselves in a variety of settings, but a toddler on a titan missle tour? running through the art museum? When the kid is too young and can't handle it, the parent needs to have plan B. I am absolutely astounded that some parents are so inconsiderate of other patrons.