David's training continues

Today I was crazy enough to take all three boys to Costco with me. We had the lecture before hand on what is and isn't appropriate behavior. It was the short one. They did okay until we were 2/3'rds the way through. Then they started singing about booties and getting pretty detailed on things. People were starting to stare and make comments. They were also scaling the freezer section like little spider men. My patience was wearing and I got them calmed down, a little. Then we kept passing this same woman who so sweetly asked me "How do you do it? " Yeah, I love that one. Anyway as we passed her again David says rather loudly "Mom is that a boy with long hair?" Yeah, I was just hoping that perhaps my other children were so loud and distracting that she didn't notice. Then I pulled David aside and said that if he would like to point something out about someone he should tell me he has a secret and I will bend down and listen carefully. So we got the next aisle and she's there again. We smile and then I feel a tug and "Mom, I need to tell you a secret" He then says "MOM, Some people have spikes on their tongues" I'm smiled and said "thank you, I know" I guess I never educated them on body piercings though David was fascinated by his Pre-K teacher in GA as she had a tattoo above her bum and another teacher had a belly ring. Hmmm.

So here's my question for anyone interested. Do you punish your children in front of everyone or do you tell them their punishment will come when you get home or do you sneak attack it in there somewhere?

I waited to get home and they already know the punishment for potty language is a minuscule drop of hot sauce on the tongue followed by a full glass of milk and some bread. There is much wailing and gnashing of teeth when this happens but it really doesn't happen but every once in a blue moon. Am I cruel? Is it pointless as it happens 20-30 minutes after the fact? Thoughts, advice? I tend to be the kind of mom who doesn't like to punish in public, not because I have anything to hide but because I just feel like it makes everyone uncomfortable and I'd rather the crying be contained to my own home.

After all that's said I have to say tucking those cute boys in tonight was so nice. I love bedtime for so many reasons but most of all cause they will tell me their "Happy times" and because it's usually when Jack will talk to me. I still love being a mom. :)