1. Your kid expresses something impolite to somebody else out in the open.
"Mom, check it out! This guy has a totally bald head!" your offspring cries out with enthusiasm, gesturing to the bald man who heard his remark about his hair. This scenario is certainly uncomfortable, and it is essential that you manage it and other instances shrewdly, especially when you are in a public place.
What should be done?
According to Dr. Gail Gross, an experienced psychologist in the realm of relationships and family dynamics, it is essential to remain composed in such a situation. After that, you should take your child to a private setting and not reprimand him in front of everyone, which is a common reaction. Let the affected person know that you are sorry and take your child to a quiet place. Explain to him that it is not appropriate to say whatever comes to his mind. Dr. Gross continues to say that if your young one comprehends the lesson, have him apologize to the person in question to demonstrate that this incident is not to be taken lightly.
2. Your child is rude to your friends or colleagues
When you and your friends are out together, your kid's behavior can be a source of embarrassment. It could be really awkward when they express their disapproval of the food that was made with so much effort by your hosts. It is important to not just ignore it and take the necessary steps to make sure such an uncomfortable situation doesn't happen again.
What should be done?
When kids are in an unfamiliar setting, they can sometimes act rudely. However, it's not a good idea to yell or reprimand them in front of other people, since that'll only make them feel embarrassed and angry. According to Dr. Gross, it's better to take them aside and ask if something is causing them distress. If so, work together to find a solution so that the issue doesn't change their behavior. Even if there's no clear cause of the unpleasantness, still try to make them understand that their actions have hurt the hosts' feelings. It's a great opportunity to create empathy in your child and teach them to correct themselves. When everyone's calmed down, go back to the table and encourage your child to be pleasant to those around them.
3. Your child enters the room while you are having relations with your partner
It's an experience that catches everybody off guard, particularly the kids, when parents stumble into such a situation. At night, when there's a chance to be together with our significant other, and our child unexpectedly enters the room while we're in the middle of it, it's not possible to go back in time, and maybe that's a good thing.
What should be done?
If your 2-3-year-old child witnesses an awkward situation, there is no need to go into detail about what occurred - chances are he will forget it. However, for children 3 and up, it's important to offer some explanation. Keeping it brief is best; you can say something like, "Moms and dads sometimes like to give each other tight hugs!" Ignoring the incident will only cause more confusion in the long run, so Dr. Gross advises explaining the event according to their age and comprehension.
4. Your child has a tantrum in a public place
When kids start having a full-blown meltdown in a public spot and start shouting, it's quite a difficult situation for parents, and they often receive reproachful gazes from the people around them. It's understandable to feel humiliated in these moments, but just like with any other uncomfortable scenario, there are ways to handle it.
What should be done?
It's essential to not react to a tantrum the same way your child does and start shouting. Take a few moments to de-stress, inhale deeply, then talk to your little one at eye level so he comprehends you. Ensure they look at you and listen to your words and inform them firmly that they must cease this conduct. Even though it may be trying, don't reprimand them until they calm down. When your little one has a meltdown, it is best to provide them with the time and space to manage their emotions. Once they have calmed down, take the chance to talk to them and inquire what caused their reaction. Maintaining dialogue is imperative to the circumstance, even if it's uncomfortable, so try using thought-provoking questions to accomplish this. If there is an issue troubling them, collaborate with them to solve it, but if it happens for no good reason, make use of nine handy tips to manage your child's tantrums.
5. Your child uses swear words
Words are a powerful tool that expresses our feelings to people around us, and unfortunately, this includes the use of profanity to express our dissatisfaction. It often happens that a parent might say a bad word near their child, and then they'll pick it up and use it in other situations, where they can't control what is being said.
What should be done?
When it comes to swearing, it's essential that you, the parents, set a good example. Apologize for any bout of profanity and make it clear to your child that it is not acceptable. If you manage to remain composed but your kid is still using foul language, explain to them that it is wrong and that there is an appropriate way to express themselves without resorting to cursing words. If your child is young, have a friendly chat with them about the use of language and how it's a powerful tool, and emphasize that swearing is not part of that tool.
When your little one swears, it's essential to stay calm and not smirk or giggle in response. Doing so will only motivate them to keep swearing. If it persists, give your child a stern warning that any further use of bad language will result in discipline. Whenever you hear a curse word from your child again, remind them of the warning and impose consequences like not allowing them to watch television or taking away their phone for some time to make it clear that such language is not tolerated.
6. Your child reveals something private about you in public
No one wants to have their private family matters become public knowledge, but kids don't always have the ability to keep secrets. Unfortunately, there may be times when your child reveals information you'd rather not have shared with others. Fortunately, there's a clever way to address this problem.
What should be done?
It can be mortifying when your kid unexpectedly divulges something confidential. According to Dr. Gross, you must keep a healthy attitude in these situations. Don't take it too seriously and have a good chuckle. Then take your son or daughter aside and explain why the topic shouldn't be talked about in public. Let them know that what goes on in the family should stay in the family and that it's not alright to share it elsewhere. When doing so, it's also important to make sure your child knows they can come to you with anything without fear of being judged, while also understanding that certain things should be kept to oneself.
