Question: My 5-year-old always acts up in public, and it’s very embarrassing for me. What are some things I can do to make her behave when we go out?
Dr. Amen's Answer:
To improve your child’s behavior in public, follow these steps:
First, before you go somewhere, give your child a set of simple rules. For example, if you’re going to the store, you might give her three rules. “Stay close. Don’t beg. Don’t touch.” Then have her repeat these rules back to you and have her promise to follow them.
Second, set up a reward system for when she complies. Tell her specifically that if she follows the rules she will get a reward (a pack of sugarless gum, a favorite cereal, a piece of fruit, etc.). The fact is that most of the time we go to the store we allow our children to get “a little something” anyway. Now, you’re making her work for it.
Finally, set up clear consequences if she breaks the rules and follow through with them. Your daughter must learn that you mean what you say and that you’re willing to back it up. Some examples of consequences in public include getting a “time out” in the store, going to the car, or losing privileges.
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