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Top 10 Tips when Going Public with Kids 6 - 10
6. Have a Plan B
Kids are kids, and temperaments, illness, and less-than-angelic behaviors can sometimes create a need to go to Plan B. Soiled clothing, a sleeping child, or inclement weather can put a damper on big plans, and every experienced parent knows that trying to force something to happen usually backfires. Plan B may be restaurant delivery rather than eating out, waiting a day to go to the grocery store, or delaying an outing until the baby awakens from a nap. If possible, go with the flow.
7. Visit Kid-Friendly Stores When Kids Are In Tow
Not all stores or restaurants are created the same, and some places are more kid-friendly than others. Businesses cater to their clientele, and try to offer an environment that is profitable and satisfying to customers at the same time. And, no, not all businesses need to accommodate side-by-side strollers and grabby hands. Cramped stores overloaded with breakables and stacked merchandise might best be frequented without kids!
8. Set Proper Behavior Expectations
Kids learn from their parents; it's up to us to set expectations as to appropriate behavior. If you expect your kids to sit quietly through a meal, remain in the basket while shopping, or hold your hand as you enter a store, then say so immediately before the public outing begins. Make sure all understand and agree to the behavior. Discuss that this is to be a "no whine" experience, and any concerns can be addressed back at home. Use the restroom before you leave to lessen time in a store.
9. Determine Consequence Ahead of Time
So, what do you do when your kid does whine or throws a temper tantrum in spite of your best intentions? Parents should have a calm plan in place and stick to the consequence. Giving in only feeds the beast for the next time. If possible, try and avoid melt-downs by letting kids be involved and providing them with a "yes" to something, and re-direct the emotions there. Parents can say: "Ali, you're starting to whine and I'd hate to not let you not get your popcorn, so let's do ____ now!"
10. Remember Health and Safety for All
A top complaint of restaurant staff is kids being allowed to roam, twirl, and otherwise irritate other diners, while parents sit nearby, seemingly oblivious. Don't let your kids crawl around an empty seating area; that means the table will need to be re-cleaned before new guests. Don't let them play with the salt and pepper, open sugar packets, crawl under tables (think of the unsanitary conditions), or stand and play underfoot of the wait staff and other diners. In other words, set controls! |
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