Counsel Louise Denton said the defendant was drinking heavily at the time of the assault, and lost his temper after two of the children began squabbling.
He was also dealing with the separation from his wife and was ''in a bad place'' mentally.
The defendant, who had lost a job as a result of the charges, was remorseful and had voluntarily undergone counselling and attended a course for his alcohol and anger issues.
Judge Strettel said the defendant was abusive and violent towards his son after a ''loss of control and patience''.
But the assault was a ''one-off'', and the man's son did not require medical treatment for his injuries.
Assaulted bar manager
Sophie Alexandra Newbegin, 32, a shop assistant, admitted assaulting bar manager Eilis Dowling on November 13, 2015, and a charge of assaulting the bar's security doorman, Jack Dent, with intent to injure him was found proven at her trial in January.
Judge Strettel said Newbegin was ejected from the bar when she became intoxicated at an end-of-year work function.
While remonstrating with Dowling, Newbegin struck her in the face, causing Dent to intervene and be assaulted as well.
Judge Strettel said he considered Newbegin's discharge application cautiously because the resort's hospitality workers were often assaulted by drunk patrons and needed to be protected.
Where to get help:
If it is an emergency and you or someone you know is at risk, call 111.
• Women's Refuge: 0800 733 843
• Victim Support: 0800 842 846
• Lifeline: (09) 522 2999
• Family Violence Info Line: 0800 456 450
