What do you do when strangers make unkind comments about your children in public settings? The impact of what they say can affect your children and you, as well, if it is not handled correctly. There are a couple things to consider so that you can rise above their unkind words.
Always teach your children that they are loved by you, by God and by the whole family. Constantly remind them that they are special and one of kind, and that nothing anyone says can ever change that love.
If your child suffers from any kind of handicap, never allow them to accept the handicap as being part of them. It is a cross they have to carry, possibly throughout life, but it is NOT who they are. And you need to accept this, as well.
You need to build on the spiritual foundation of both, you and your children, and be strong inside so that when attacks like this happen, they can fall to the wayside. Both of you need to understand that the unkind comments are just that, and have no reflection on who either of you are.
If your children do not have a handicap and unkind words are spoken, you need to think on why the comments were made. For example, if your children are completely uncontrolled, screaming and jumping off furniture in a doctor's waiting room, the comments may be directed to their undisciplined behaviour.
That does not justify the unkind words, but it could give you an insight to a situation that needs to be put under control. And although the comments may be rude or harsh, you need to understand that they were spoken in frustration. Your children probably are not what was said about them, but there may be some validity in the reason of the remarks.
So, in this type of instance, you can actually take the comments and accept them as the awakening you needed to deal with such a situation. And then you can begin teaching your children the proper etiquette.
If the comments are directed to your children's size or the way they're dressed, you can again evaluate their comments to know if there is any justification in them. Perhaps, such comments could make you realize that you need to give some attention to these areas.
However, often times strangers just like to vent out and speak their mind, and a common target is children. Why? Because these strangers need the satisfaction of being heard or noticed and will speak out bluntly and hurt for the sake of hurting, just because they can.
Some adults can't accept that times and situations are changing, and that how they handled certain situations when they were young is not necessarily how they are handled now. It's becoming more common for people to judge and make comments about things that they know nothing about. They feel it's their earned right to say whatever they want. And this goes especially for older people.
This is a very poor and irresponsible attitude and has no place in any society. Therefore, when you encounter these types of people you need to be prepared to either excerpt anything positive or helpful from what they have said, or you need to ignore it.
You can ignore their comments if you have taught your children inner security so that you can say to your children, "Ignore her, we know the truth and she just likes to be heard". If your children have a close bond with you, they will continue to feel confident in who they are, and they will be able to ignore the unkind words, as well.
But sometimes, the unkind comments need to be dealt with especially when you believe that they were spoken totally out of line. Then, as a supportive parent, you need to show your children that you will not tolerate such unwarranted criticism from a stranger. Just remember to use tact and discretion, and not anger or sarcasm.
An example, "You don't know me or my children and you have no right giving your unwanted opinion about something you don't know anything about. You should direct your rude comments to yourself because that's where they belong."
Just remember, people speak openly for different reason: some because they can't control situations in their own lives; some because they are programmed to accept only their own generation as intelligent; and some because they are so self-righteous that they have no compassion or respect for anyone else.
But your focus at all times should be on your children who look up to you for acceptance. As long as they know that you believe that they are special and that you will always love them, they will be able to overcome such attacks.
And as long as you continue to love your children and accept them for who they are, you will always rise up above the unkind words spoken by strangers.