My 7 year old son acts totally normal at home but then sometimes gets goofy in public. I guess he is in one of those stages but he will pull his shoulders up by his ears, put his teeth way over his lips, slouching his back,all at once. He almost looks like at TV character. I instictively say, "STOP". I know that is wrong but I am in total shock and embarressed. What do I do when he starts acting like this.
2007-11-23 12:46:50 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
I agree with the just saying his name and seeing if he'll quit. You can also have a talk with him at home about appropriate behavior in public. Work out a signal with him that he can recognize that he's going over the line but won't be majorly embarrassing to him.
Just think, in a few short years you won't have to worry about this because he will be an adolescent and just being seen with you in public will be embarrassing to him.
2007-11-23 14:00:31 · answer #1 · answered by Sharon M 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can relate. My 7 year old boy sorta does the same thing. He gets shy when introduced in a new surrounding, and starts acting unusual.
My boy is autistic, so lots of people just write it off to that. I hate that people use that as an excuse though.
So what I do is sit him down to compose himself. I talk to him, settle him down, and he's usually fine within a couple minutes. It's rare, really rare, when he still continues to act out. At that point, I make sure he doesn't get up until he acts appropriately.
I sometimes get embarrassed, but only because I feel it reflects on my job as a father. It's my job as a father to raise him to respect people and situations he is in; autistic or not.
Good luck.
Oh. Patience, that's what else helps.
2007-11-23 21:02:15 · answer #2 · answered by Sic Semper Tyrannis 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
rather than stop which may embarrass him. Try just saying his name. He will get the message. My son is 8 and does this thing where he sticks his top teeth over his lower lip. It drives me INSANE especially when he does it for photos. I have told him lately when we are alone that it doesn't look nice and to stop. Just saying his name in public sometimes works but for a photo the other day I had to tell him to stop. I don't think he realises he does it.
2007-11-23 21:09:49 · answer #3 · answered by Rachel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't really care for the "kick his butt" and "boys will be boys" answers (girls aren't given the freedom that boys are and are expected to be polite, charming, and well... have you ever heard, "girls will be girls" in the same context?).
I don't think you should punish your kid for embarrassing you. You seem to know that's not right, but your need to avoid public humiliation is overriding the situation. I would let him know that it's not looked upon favorably by most people, but I wouldn't try to impose my will on him. If you make a big deal out of it, he might even do it more often, just to get a reaction from you.
2007-11-24 00:03:17 · answer #4 · answered by Girl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do you get so embarassed? My nephew just had his 8th birthday and I helped my sister out with the party. They were ALL acting silly, it's what little boys do. As long as he's not hurting himself or anyone else I don't see a reason for him to not act silly. Most people would either ignore him or laugh, besides who cares what other people think? There's nothing wrong with a 7 year old boy acting silly and you shouldn't make him feel like there is, just laugh...I'm sure it looks pretty funny :D.
2007-11-23 20:52:40 · answer #5 · answered by Ruthie 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If it really bothers you, remind him while you both are still in the car, before getting out to walk into th building.
Tell him that he needs to act nicely while out in public, and can act as goofy as he pleases while at home.
If he gets out of hand in public, pull him aside, and quietly tell him that his behavior needs to stop, and he needs to straighten up.
If he still doesn't listen, you can save the punishments for when you get home.
It could be loss of priveleges, taking away toys, etc.
Even better, you can reward the good behavior.
For example, if you notice that he is acting like a well behaved little boy, treat him to a snack out: at the mall, or wherever you are at. Or letting him pick out something fun he'd like to do once your errand is completed=)
Good luck!
2007-11-23 23:13:49 · answer #6 · answered by Ashley 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Boys will be boys. Get used to it. My 9 year old still acts goofy in public. It's a way of getting attention.
2007-11-23 20:55:02 · answer #7 · answered by nyeviolet 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell him that when you go out in public you understand he wants to make people laugh because it would be funny, but tell him after a few minutes it's not funny anymore. Don't be embarrassed, he's only 7 and doing things that he thinks is funny.
2007-11-23 21:59:00 · answer #8 · answered by Zyggy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What's wrong with saying "STOP"? Maybe it will embarrass him enough to make him stop doing it. I think it is a phase, though. My son is 17 and he doesn't do it in public anymore, but he STILL does this kind of stuff at home!!! Drives me nuts!!!
2007-11-23 23:14:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe your child doesn't get out enough.He might be used to staying at home instead of being around a lot of people.
2007-11-24 00:58:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋