Long weekends often bring family and friends together in a mix of generations.

Somewhere between the egg hunt and hot cross buns this weekend, there might be a moment where another adult steps in to “parent” your child in ways that don’t sit well with you. Maybe they are too sharp or too bossy. Or it’s just not how you do things.

These situations are often less about those involved “behaving badly” and more about emotions running high. This goes for kids and adults.

What can you do about it?

It can be uncomfortable when a friend or relative uses a harsh tone, gives orders or disciplines your child in a way that feels too strong.

Often, this taps into something deeper. Many of us were raised with more punitive or directive parenting styles, and we can feel triggered seeing those approaches repeated with our own children.

At the same time, gatherings can lead to sensory overload. Noise, excitement, sugar and disrupted routines can push everyone closer to their limits. This is especially so for children, who are still developing emotional regulation.

If another adult steps in with your child in a way you don’t like, you can gently enter the interaction – rather than directly confront the other adult in the moment.

It can help to move physically closer, make eye contact, and gently touch your child with a warm smile. This allows you to take the........

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