What to Do When Kids Misbehave at a Public Event

Set Ground Rules

• You can't avoid all misbehavior, but setting ground rules before you head out to a public event lets your child know what you expect. Explain the situation and how you want him to act. Say "We're going to a wedding this afternoon. We have to sit in our seats without talking or making loud noises during the wedding. As soon as it is over, we can go outside and run around." Anticipating the potential behavior problems based on the event you're attending helps you set specific rules. For example, at a busy festival, your child's safety relies on him staying near you. One possible rule is to hold your hand or stay right next to you the entire time.

Redirect Behavior

• A quiet, calm redirection of his behavior may be all your child needs to fix the problem without drawing attention to yourself in public. A parent often becomes upset or embarrassed at a public outburst from his child. Letting your emotions take over the situation makes it more difficult to handle the situation and may draw out your child's negative behavior, according to Zero to Three. Instead of yelling or panicking, keep yourself calm -- at least on the outside -- so your child doesn't become equally panicked. Remind him of your expectations and tell him explicitly what you want him to do. Say "You need to stop talking and sit down right now. The wedding is almost over, and then you can go play."

Move to Another Area

• A simple redirection isn't always enough, especially if your child is on his way to a full-blown temper tantrum. Moving to a quiet area away from the action of the event often helps both you and your child get under control. If you walk your child outside instead of staying in the church during a wedding, for example, you can relax because you are no longer interrupting the ceremony and upsetting the other guests. The quiet spot may also help your child calm down. If he is no longer expected to sit still without talking, he can loosen up and avoid a temper tantrum. If you can't head outside, look for another room in the building. If you are at an outdoor event, move away from the main action to a quieter spot. Comforting your child with hugs or cuddles may also help him calm down, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Use Consequences and Rewards

• You likely have consequences and rewards that you use at home with your child. Using similar actions during public misbehavior episodes may help the situation. The consequences and rewards help direct your child's behavior at public events. An example of a consequence is to leave the event early if your child doesn't stop misbehaving. Say "If you don't stop screaming and taking presents away from the birthday boy, we're going to leave the party now. You won't get to have cake or play the last game." An example of a reward is "If you hold my hand and don't run away, we can play a game at the carnival." Keep the balance between offering rewards and giving in to your child's demands, which shows your child that his temper tantrum is a way to get what he wants, reports Ask Dr. Sears. An example of giving in is buying your child the cotton candy he's begging for to stop the temper tantrum.