We’ve all been there, your big kid, in front of a crowd of people asks, ‘Why is that person so fat?’ or loudly shouts, ‘that lady just skipped us’ or mortifyingly wonders aloud, ‘why does that lady have a moustache?’ Cue the uncomfortable silence and your heart racing.
Big kids don’t yet understand the art of holding their tongue, and while most people will just smile and nod in awkwardness, not everyone will, so it is important you understand what needs to be done when it happens.
Apologise
If you are sure the person heard you, don’t turn your head and scurry away. A small smile and a simple ‘I’m sorry’ does wonders for easing any awkward situations. If possible, get your little one to apologise as well.
What you need to tell your child
When the person is gone, have a chat with your youngster. It is important you don’t scold them for being honest, but they do need to be aware that some things are just not appropriate to say. Gently tell them that what they said could have hurt the person’s feelings and that it is not nice to criticise another person’s style, appearance or interests.
Talk to your little one
There is no point having a full blown conversation in the middle of the shop about what’s ok to say and what’s not ok to say. Your little one won’t take it all in and you’ll probably find yourself in the same situation in a few days. Tell them it is ok to say things to you, but that before they speak, they need to think about whether what they are about to say will hurt someone.
Be mindful of your own actions
If you are constantly criticising other people, how can you expect your child not to do the same? Make sure you keep check of things you say, remember, your child learns from you.
When your little one says something rude, they are more likely being curious and voicing opinions that are running through their head. Don’t scold them for it, rather understand that honesty in a child is a trait that you definitely want to hang on to.
Your child’s blunt honesty is a pretty embarrassing problem for adults, but it is simply your little one’s childhood innocence coming out.
