If they were in church, or a restaurant, or similar type setting, my buddy's wife would step out, USUALLY before a disturbance was made. As not to disrupt OTHERS.
As the children grew older, if they got a little too antsy or loud, a lean forward, with a look, got their attention.
Went to a pizza place with the family once.
The waitress started bringing other waitresses by to check out the well behaved family.
The manager came by and remarked about how well the kids were...
And bought dessert for everybody.
Back at home...there is the pitter patter (or stomp stomp stomp) of little (and not so little) feet. There are SHREAKS of delight as a younger one is chased or chases an older one.
They know that their "Uncle Dave" will rough house with them anytime. But the moment we are in public, they are the best behaved kids.
Yes—though I’m not sure why your buddy wouldn’t take turns stepping out with a kid making noise.
As a nurse, it is important for parents to be able to control the child to prevent self injury after trauma or surgery. Little kids have airways about the size of their little finger. Make it a 200 pound screaming six year old (not exaggerating) and the airway is proportionally smaller. Now take out the tonsils and adenoids, not a “small” or “everyday” surgery in any case, that child is in serious trouble if not following instructions.
Had a 4 year old screaming at his mother and all of the women in the recovery room “F**king B**chs”. Brought DAD in who attempted to control the little darling by clapping his hand over the kid’s mouth, but the kid went to bite him and the kid repeated “F**king B**chs”. I said to DAD, “You must be so proud”. DAD looked at me like “You F**king B**ch”