What to Do If You Don't Like Your Kid's Friends
So You Don't Like Your Kid's Friends . . . Now What?
Stop Bad Behavior Without Directly Discipling Someone Else's Child
It can be hard to prevent another child from acting out, but when you see that negative behavior with your own eyes in real time, it can be hard to ignore.
Although disciplining other people's children can be especially tricky, there are a few ways to get your message across without confronting the child directly.
"Making firm comments like 'please keep the toys on the ground' or 'that could really hurt someone' is informative and sends meaningful messages without disciplining other people's children," says Sharma. "They're also statements, not questions, which allow for children to have a choice and give more power to them in the unwanted situation."
If that's not doing the trick, try speaking directly to your kid within earshot of the other children.
"Tell your child how proud you are that they're 'not throwing back' or 'staying safe,'" explains Sharma. "It sends important messages to the group of children while letting your child know what you like about their behavior and taking the focus off inappropriate behavior."
