do your kids ever test your patience in public places?

I have been very blessed with 2 great well behaved kids. Every once in awhile my 4 year old will try my patience or take advantage of me being on the phone. My 10 year old has thrown 1 tantrum.....it was at Walmart, he was almost 5. I spanked him right then and there and told him he better never EVER act like that in public or at home. I let him know that would not be tolerated at all. I dont know what would have happened had someone called the cops! I did get a "praise you" from some older woman then she went on her way mumbling something about if more parents would tear that butt up every once in a while there wouldn't be so many bad childrens running around! My daughter just rencently pulled her first little stunt. I completely ignored her and walked out of the room. That freaked her out! I am not a big spanker, never had to be. I do have time-outs and losing certain privelages. I haven't yet started "grounding" anyone. Dont really have to. But they both are kids and are mischevious. I totally agree with spanking though. I was raised on tail whippins!!!! Most kids nowadays are being raised on ridilen!

My little boy is the same way. I'm wary of disciplining him physically in public for just the reason you mentioned. Heaven forbid anyone should actually punish a child for being naughty! That's probably the reason he does it in public, because he knows he'll get away with it. He does this to me when I'm on the phone, too. He can be minding his own business, playing quietly until the phone rings. Then he's got to be right up next to me, making all kinds of noise, grabbing the phone cord, etc. Frustrating!