No One Ever Said It Was Easy

I was in the supermarket today. An adorable girl of about age 3 was sitting in a shopping cart and crying because her mother wasn't getting her something she wanted off a shelf. It escalated into a full-blown tantrum.

Instead of leaving the cart, picking up the child, leaving the store and going home to give her a "time-out", what did the mother do? She wheeled the cart over to the bakery and gave her daughter a big chocolate chip cookie! It certainly stopped the screaming. And... it also reinforced the negative behavior.

In moments such as these, and we've all been there, it may seem easier to simply give in (It's almost as tempting as the chocolate chip cookie!). However, I'd like to propose an alternative: Take a deep breathe and step back for a quick spot check. Ask yourself the following question: "Will it help or hurt her in the long run to learn that pitching a fit will get her what she wants?" Although unpleasant for adults, these situations are ripe with teachable moments.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent or teacher, no one ever said it was going to be easy when faced with a difficult situation with a child. There are no simple solutions. However, the Don't Be That KID! At School Resource Guide is filled with fun activities that can assist you to help your child learn positive behaviors. It begins with establishing expectations. Let's think about extending them to discussing expectations prior to going anywhere, whether it is to a store, a party or visiting grandparents. It might help and certainly won't hurt.

Remember, don't forget to complete the Don't Be That KID! Pledge. It makes your child a partner in the process of learning good behavior traits.