However, in the past, I have asked a social worker friend of mine the difference between discipline and abuse in the eyes of the department of human services. She said it is a hard fine line but she said that sometimes it simply comes down to the attitude when a parent is “discplining” their child. For instance, yelling, screaming, or if they are truly in anger rage while spanking or hitting their child this could be cause for concern.

Sunscreen? Honestly I would just say something. I would say “ow, he looks a little red. Would you like to borrow my sunscreen?” The worst the person can say is no but at least you have done your part. Then you are not implying that they have done anything wrong by not putting it on their child, but giving them the benefit of the doubt that maybe they forgot to bring theirs.

I have an almost 3 year old, and an almost 1 year old. The main time I find myself jumping into parenting is when it concerns my child. If your child takes something from my child, or pushes my child, and you do not correct your child by telling them what they just did wrong then I do step in. Whether the other parent likes it or not. Because if MY son is the one that does those things I make sure he understands it is wrong, and I will not let him get run over by children whose parents do not teach their children appropriate manners.