Susan K. Bertelson, Ph.D.

(770) 668-0350 ext.223

MANAGING YOUR CHILD’S BEHAVIOR IN PUBLIC PLACES

During the summer, routines and activities change for families.  Vacations and outings become more frequent.  While these changes in routine can be positive experiences for parents and children, sometimes they can also lead to an increase of child misbehavior, particularly in public places.  Often, this misbehavior is predictable, and parents may be able to prevent conflicts and anguish if they anticipate problem situations and prepare for them.

The first principle of managing a child’s behavior in public places is to determine which situations may be problematic for a child.  Once potentially problematic situations are identified, parents should develop a plan of action, share the plan with the child beforehand, and follow through with the plan should a problem arise.  Specifically, these steps should be followed before entering a public place:

= 1.      Stop before you enter a site that may present a problem for your child, such as a store, restaurant, or someone’s home.

= 2.      Review important rules of conduct with your child.  The rules should be specific.

= 3.      Set up an incentive for good behavior.

= 4.      Explain the punishment that may be used if the child misbehaves.

= 5.      Follow through with your plan.