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Kiwanis Tips
What To Say (or do) When Parents Abuse Their Children in Public
- “He seems to be trying your patience.”
- “Is he tired? Does he need a nap?”
- “She has beautiful (eyes).” Get the parents in a more positive mood.
- “My child used to get upset like that.”
- “Children can wear you out, can’t they? Is there anything I can do to help?”
- Strike up a conversation with the adult. See if you can re-direct his/her attention away from the child
- Sympathize with the parent, i.e. “Isn’t it amazing how children think they can get away by kicking and screaming?”
- “My son behaves like that sometimes, and I . . . “
- I you are concerned about the physical safety of the child, alert the store manager.
- Divert the child’s attention (if he is misbehaving), by talking to him, engaging him in conversation.
- Praise child and parent at first opportunity.
- If the child is in danger, offer assistance. For example, if the child was left unattended in a grocery cart, go stand by the child until the parent returns.
- Find something positive to say about the child to the parent. “Your child is beautiful, or “What pretty hair she has.”
- “Looks like you’re having a rough day. Is there anything I can do to help?”
- “Looks like your little boy is giving you a hard time.” Try to relieve tension and perhaps open up some communication.
- If you know the parent, offer to watch the child while she/he takes a break, gets a drink etc.
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