Should screaming children be reprimanded?

A mAn’s self-righteous anecdote about a vociferous public argument in a bank with a mother whose child was screaming was full of venom and pompous superiority: he actually suggested slapping a small child (Letters). most understand that small children scream and cry largely because they can’t find the words to express their frustration. To advocate physical punishment for a child who isn’t misbehaving, but is unhappy, is to travel down the same destructive road as did the parents of Baby P, Victoria Climbie and, sadly, many more.

ALISON FAIRCLOUGH, Liverpool. I WAS disgusted to read of the man complaining about a child screaming in the bank. He has obviously never been in the company of a screaming baby before. I congratulate the baby’s mother in defending her child’s actions.

Name and address supplied. I wAs delighted to see someone complaining about screaming children in a bank and there can be even worse examples of behaviour in supermarkets. Despite my local supermarket displaying signs about scooters, every time I shop, some child is on a scooter. Complaining to the staff has no effect, as they are ‘scared of a backlash from parents’. Another disgusting habit is parents seating their children in the small trolleys. There are large trolleys available for children, but the kids I’ve seen in trolleys are big enough to walk by themselves. I’ve even seen a mother placing her child in the bagging area. I told her off, as it is unhygienic.

ELEANOR WILLIAMS, Shepperton, Middx. A CHILD was screaming its head off with the mother standing casually talking to her friend. As I went by I put my head into the buggy and said ‘Hush’. The child stopped midscream. I carried on walking to the changing rooms with the mother shouting abuse. Fortunately, good old BHS had locks on the doors where I sat for 20 minutes until it was safe to come out.

MARY NUNAN, Crowborough, E. Sussex.