Discipline is not your job and neither is seeing if the child’s parents discipline their child. Children may work out their bad behavior amongst themselves so there may not even be a need to interfere. Try to stay out of day-to-day stuff so that children learn to play with others. [1] X Research source For less severe behaviour you can distract a child without disciplining them. Offer them to get a drink or play at a new area.
If it is happening at your home, simply separate the children into different rooms and call their parents.
For example, say something like “Simon is a great boy and our son loves when he can stay and play but sometimes Simon is a bit too rough. ” Make sure only to let the parents know, as the kids or other parents may make them become defensive if present.
If you are finding it difficult, think of yourself as a sportscaster and simply narrate the action that you see. “Oh, you’re playing with blocks. Looks like a castle. Is it a castle?” Let the child feel that you are interested and s/he will become engaged in a conversation. [4] X Research source
Never touch someone else’s child, even in an innocent and/or non-threatening way, because it could be misinterpreted by the child and/or someone watching you, especially the child’s parents or guardian.
For example, “That’s an awesome question! I bet your mom and dad know the answer better than me. ” Make sure to let the child know that you will write down their question and give it to their parents so that they can answer it for them.
If you’re in a restaurant and a child’s parents are allowing their child to be obnoxious and over the top, chances are other customers will also speak up. Be careful not to bother staff or parents with petty requests.
Empathize with parents and the stress that comes with having to entertain children. If you approach a parent in a confrontational way, you may be adding to his or her stress. A better approach is to be helpful and to keep calm.
Sit close by, play with her, and talk to her but don’t hold your child. Stay in the same room as you slowly move away. Make sure to always say goodbye to let your child know that you will be returning. If you have an infant or toddler, try wearing them in a carrier or sling. This can help to make them feel more secure.
In a calm voice, say “It’s not okay to speak to me like that. “[12] X Expert Source Kathy Slattengren, M. Ed. Parent Educator & Coach Expert Interview. 27 July 2021. Make sure to praise your child when he uses the correct tone and asks for something politely. Show him or her what you mean if he or she doesn’t remember how to ask.
If you are short on space, even assigning a corner to each sibling can suffice. Let them be able to put their stuff down and know that they are in charge of that area.
You may also set a timer so your child doesn’t dilly dally during a meal. If your child is hungry, keep healthy snacks available on low shelves. Snacks like whole-grain cereal and granola. Ask your child to help you find recipes to use for meals, such as by searching online with them or looking through cookbooks.
Let other family know that it’s not okay to laugh when your child curses. Also, let your child know that curse words can hurt people’s feelings. Find replacement words with your child so they don’t use more vulgar language.
