I bet Epictetus would have had no problem admiting to yelling at a kid a time or two: (again - i LOVE all kids and I am not excusing the behavior - I am saying the only real answer to the behavior is to apologize and ask for the victim's forgiveness and then try not to repeat the offense):


"Don't be afraid of verbal abuse or criticism.

Only the morally weak feel compelled to defend or explain themselves to others. Let the quality of your deeds speak on your behalf. We can't control the impressions others from about us, and the effort to do so only debases our character.

So, if anyone should tell you that a partcular person has spoken critically of you, don't bother with excuses or defenses. Just smile and reply, 'I guess that person doesn't know about all my other faults. Otherwise he wouldn't have mentioned only these.'"

Epictetus