5 ways to deal with a child’s embarrassing breakdown in public
5 ways to deal with a child’s embarrassing breakdown in public
Young children are not bothered by a general breakdown. But parents? They’re a little more embarrassed by the breakup. My kids have been taken from supermarkets, birthday parties, and restaurants to epic meltdowns, and all too often I get a candid look or a court note upon our exit. If I said I was going to be a liar, I would be ashamed sometimes. Although it can be difficult in these situations, I have found that there are ways to deal with embarrassing incidents with children.
I always try to remind myself not to take it personal. After all, I get super frustrated when you don’t get my way, so it’s no wonder my kid is in hysterics when he sees a horrible toy on the shelf and can’t take it home. Warmth descends on my cheeks when I know the panic and embarrassment. Remembering these realizations are productive and effective ways for me to deal with this situation. Being in public is not a level playing field – I’m still the parent and I’m still the one in charge.
Using the methods given below, one can handle a generic system like a pro. Here’s what you need to know before targeting a hungry baby while they nap.
1 title of behavior
When your child is in the middle of a level 10 tantrum, it’s not always easy to stay calm. But taking some time to calm yourself down can prevent the situation from escalating. As Kid’s Health points out, it’s important for parents to remember where the behavior comes from. Babies cry when they are tired, hungry or uncomfortable. Try to see if you can identify the factor that may be causing your child to be put off, and address this issue. For example, if you think the tantrum is caused by hunger, tell your child that they can snack once they are under control.
2 Give them the tools to help themselves
If their tantrums are fueled by frustrations, help your child learn how to manage these feelings by giving them the skills to control when frustrations build up. Parenting In an interview with child behavior specialist William Sears, he reminds parents that tantrums are part of the learning process. “Part of early childhood development is learning the language that meets the needs of the individual and what does not,” he said. He said that just letting your child know what’s bothering him — and not yelling at him — will show him that if he can control and use words instead of crying, you can get through the problem together. can succeed.
3 You don’t need to make excuses
As Empowering Parents points out, parents do not need to make excuses for others for their children’s behavior. When you’re trying to manage a tantrum situation, the last thing you need is the opinions of onlookers. Using clear, positive statements can help deter the critic from getting in their way and quell the urge to make excuses. Hearing you say, “My child needs me now” will reinforce to your child that you are there to support him, but not to justify the behavior.
Change 4 jobs
Finding a safe and quiet place can help your child (and you) calm down. Hand in Hand Parenting suggests moving to a different room if it is in the back corner of the house or in a store. The fewer distractions, the more you focus on and direct your child to control. Switching to a more secluded location can also help with interactions with other people that can add tension to the situation, such as passers-by making negative comments.
5 Don’t apologize for them
When a child is drawn into a tantrum, a parent may feel the need to apologize on their child’s behalf. However, Professor House warns that apologizing to your child can be a fatal mistake. The behavior was the child’s choice, which made it his responsibility to make any necessary apologies. Whether they apologize to someone, or write an apology note, kids need to master the behaviors that lead to a tantrum.
Even though you may be in public when your tantrum is erased, the situation is for no one but you and your child. Staying calm and in control will keep you focused on your task: calm your baby. The next time you have these tips in your little pocket, your little one will start to be unruly at the supermarket.