Episode 15: Parenting with an Audience
Engaging, challenging, and empowering parents in raising well-rounded children through combining educational research to everyday life.
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on today’s episode…
We should parent the same– whether we’re parenting within the safety of our homes or the checkout line at Target. But how often do we feel judged about the audience watching us?
insights
How often does your toddler throw a tantrum at Target? How often does your child whine about wanting a milkshake at Chick-fil-A? How often does your teenager talk back to you in front of all other fellow soccer parents?
Kids aren’t always perfect. And, no matter how hard we try to teach them the right manners, they will always mess up. By the way– are we always perfect? Or do we mess up every once in a while too?
Today, I want to talk about parenting with an audience– as in, parenting when others are “watching” or in public.
3 Lessons:
How your kids talk to you is generally how they hear you talk to them.
Try to listen to yourself. How are YOU talking to them?
After you’ve pulled the speck out of your own eye, then ask them to follow
Discipline the same– whether at home or anywhere else.
Do you allow whining at your house?
Do you do time-outs or spanking at home?
Always meet them where they are.
Go down to their level– what does that mean?
Squat to see the world at their level
Empathize with their frustrations, disappointments, or hurts
Connect with them
These 3 lessons are super important. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter who’s watching. Your kids NEED consistency. They need to know that, regardless of the place, ____ (fill in the blank) is allowed or not allowed. Regardless of who’s around, ___ is still allowed or not allowed.
Find your comfort level. Is it to take them to the bathroom so you can discipline like you do at home? Do it. Or maybe you are not as self-conscious of everyone’s eyes and unnecessary judgment. Regardless of the place or audience, be empowered that you know what’s BEST for your child.
