Children develop in different ways, and while some are perfectly behaved angels, some do act out or have tantrums at inopportune times. It can be stressful and frustrating for parents and caregivers when little ones become unruly in public. As a parent, you have your own ways of calming or disciplining your own children, but what happens if it’s your guests’ kids who are disruptive during an important life event, such as your own child’s birthday party?
Planning and hosting a birthday party is already stressful on its own, so it can be incredibly off-putting when something tries to upset such a day. Fortunately, there are ways you can deal with misbehaving children in an appropriate but firm manner. If you’re at your wit’s end, remember these tips:
Stay Calm Always
When it comes to confronting mischief first-hand, it will do you well if you keep your calm. It’s a big challenge to remain cool and rational especially when you’ve poured effort, time, and money in making your child’s birthday party successful. However, nothing can be solved when you fight fire with fire, especially when the misbehaving children are not your own.
Remember to stop and breathe or retreat to a space where you can take a break to calm down. When you’ve gotten a grip on your temper, you can de-escalate the situation much more carefully. Keeping a mantra in mind can help in times like these.
Set Appropriate Limits
Diffuse the situation by not yelling and using strong language or forceful actions. You can get the point faster by speaking to the misbehaving child in a calm manner. It helps if you acknowledge their actions and reason with them why doing disruptive things is unacceptable in the situation.
Distraction Helps
Sometimes, children will keep being unruly, and if you just don’t have the patience to deal with them, present alternatives to distract them. Keep the order and the party in full swing by engaging children in age-appropriate games and activities. Preparing in advance for gifts and prizes can really help make the party a success.
Themed birthday parties are popular among children of many ages. Some well-liked themes are Minecraft, Disney, Circus, and monsters, among others. To make the party more colorful and appealing to children’s eyes, consider getting party favors that match the theme. It’s not expensive, and it helps make the party look more put together so you’ll be amazed how much of a difference these little details can make.
Talk to the Children’s Caregivers
Younger children don’t have much control of their feelings and behaviors, so tantrums and disorderly conduct can be inevitable. You can prepare in advance by talking to the children’s primary caregivers. Know what sets off unruly behavior and prepare for it by avoiding those triggers. It also helps to know what kind of rules they adhere to.
Give Meaningful Rewards and Consequences
One of the best ways children learn good behavior is through positive reinforcement. Don’t think that rewards need to be in the form of expensive toys and stuff because there are cheaper and better alternatives to material things. Spending more time with them by playing or reading stories together are just some of the more meaningful rewards you can give.
With the good comes the bad. To help them discern good from bad, teaching consequences for their actions can be a powerful thing. Physical punishment is a hard no for children or any humans when it comes to discipline. Instead, resort to adding more chores or lessening allowances.
Be a Role Model
Children follow what they see, and in many instances, their actions will mirror yours. It’s not right to do certain actions as an adult only to tell your children otherwise when you catch them doing something inappropriate yourself. Be a good role model at home and in public so children will learn good manners and behavior.
How do you deal with disorderly children at your event? Share it in the comments below.
This is a post that all parents should read. Thanks for all the great tips.
This can be such a difficult situation to deal with and know how to manage effectively. These are good suggestions and helps to think about the situation ahead of time.
It’s always hard to deal with unruly kids who aren’t your own. I like your suggestions, though.
Very good tips. I’m glad I’m passed the stage where I have to give birthday parties.
This is great. I had a unruly child at a party. Luckily for me his grandmother, that had brought him, was all over it. She took him to the side and talked to him. Then she stood right beside him the rest of the party. I really appreciated it. I did not say anything about it. I just included her in the party as if she were a chaperone and asked her to help with little things. That way there was a reason for her to be right there all the time. I am sure she knew what I was doing and appreciated it. The party went well after that.
This is a great post! Love the reminder to always stay calm. Sometimes we forget that in the midst of the situation. Positive rewards are so underrated and extremely effective!