When I see some child bothering one of my boys in a public place, I usually look up, saying something like "Where's your mother?" And then I very gently, but firmly, tell the child to stop. If I have to, I will physically move them (not hit! just gently move them along), especially if I see my little ones in danger of being hit, or pushed, or anything like that. It just REALLY irritates me when I see little kids not being watched by their parents. I am on my kids LIKE A HAWK in those public places, and can't imagine being otherwise!