by Ann Marie Dwyer

Created on: February 26, 2007   Last Updated: May 31, 2012

Tantrums are a child's number one guaranteed attention seeking behavior. Whether you have friends in your home for a function or you are in a store, these seven simple steps will help you manage those screaming outbursts in public.

1. Do not be "embarrassed" by his poor behavior.
This will reinforce that his attention-seeking method is valuable and effective.

2. Be firm.
State that the behavior will not be tolerated. Let the child understand she is not permitted to do this at home, and therefore will also be prohibited from this behavior in public.

3. Be consistent.
If this behavior warrants a time out at home, administer a time out as soon as you get home. Let him know the punishment will fit the "crime" and will not be bypassed strictly because you are in public.

4. Be fair.
If one child misbehaves, be sure to punish one child. When other children are present, one child may act out to seek attention. Taking everyone home from the playground thirty minutes before schedule is not fair to the other children. The one acting out should have a seat and think about why she is not getting to fully enjoy your outing.

5. Talk about it.
The child who is punished will repeat the behavior if he does not understand the punishment is a direct consequence of his actions. After time out, be certain that he understands how the chain of events was linked. Ask if he knows why he was punished. Explain to him that you are trying to make him a person who does not ever need to be punished.

6. Do not assassinate her character.
Telling a child she is bad is not psychologically healthy. Talk about the behavior being bad and unacceptable. Give the child examples of good behavior and explain what is expected. Show the benefits of good behavior without bribing her into doing the right thing.

7. Be the adult.
You need not be a bully or condescending in order to discipline children in public. You need only be adult, consistent and understanding.

You can control your child's behavior as easily in public as at home, as long as the child knows that "the rules" are "the rules" no matter where you go.

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