One of the more challenging moments as a parent is when a young child begins to misbehave and cause a scene in public. What is the correct way to deal with this public bad behavior?
Well, kids often trigger these outbursts because they know they will get their way by embarrassing their parents and not receive an immediate consequence. Maybe it’s time to make clear expectations and consequences for them—at home and in public.
Why Public Bad Behavior Does Not Equal No Consequences
Have your kids ever used the cover of a public place to cause a scene and lash out in ways that they would never get away with in private? If this public outburst sounds familiar, you must make it very clear to your children that you have some rules and guidelines that must be followed when you go out into public.
Your kids have to be aware that a public place is not a special area where mom and dad have no authority. They must also know that—within reason—you’re willing to deal with whatever ridiculousness they are silly enough to dish out.
You should, however, make your boundary for what is reasonably clear to them. If they cross that line, their own humiliation in public must not be enough of a consequence for them. In this case, they must know that the consequential punishment waiting for them at home will be an adequate consequence.
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