When I correct my 2 1/2 year old daughter in public?

Question

She seems to get embarrassed and hides her head in my arm or lap. I'm not raising my voice just letting her know that something is inappropropriate or dangerous.

In the last month she seems to really internalize it and feel bad about it. I reassure her that she is not bad and explain as much as a two year old will understand.

Is she super sensitive? Any suggestions would be wonderful.

Answer 1

The way I talk in public when they are acting up is to whisper to them..it makes them get closer to hear it and you have NO tendancy to raise your voice...so if they are throwing a tantrum then they have to get quiet to hear you talking to them...they stopped after a few times of doing this...it worked well for me!

Answer 2

If you're not raising your voice then you just have a very sensitive child.  Just continue to discipline her.  You can't shy away just because you think she's too sensitive.  Those are the children that are easier to raise, they listen.

Answer 3

she may be sensitive but it is no reason to let her get away with inappropriate behavior. when she acts embarrassed reassure her that its ok and let her know that when she misbehaves in public the consequences are the same as when she does the same at home. be consistant and your child will be better off for it. even if it sometimes embarasses her or hurts her feelings.

Answer 4

little girls can be very sensitive. while you can't stop telling her things she needs to learn, you might need to think about what is the least she needs to know at the moment. if she is particularly sensitive right now,  I would try to balance it with activities designed for her to succeed. kind of , you can't miss stuff that boosts her confidence. this could pass and you could enter into a time with her when she is better able to cope with criticism.

while you must maintain your authority as a parent, you don't always have to put it in terms of her having made a mistake. sometimes it is better to distract, deflect and move on than point out lots of mistakes.

I know this is tricky stuff, good luck to you.

Answer 5

I think public ridicule is difficult at any age, and you are right to think she is embarrassed.  Perhaps it would be more effective to take her to a restroom, lounge, etc; and speak to her one on one.  Keep it simple, and to reinforce what she has done wrong, ask her if she knows why you are having this talk with her.  

You are doing well, to teach her appropriate behavior and what is acceptable and not in public at an early age.  

Remember hugs, and when you catch her behaving well, really praise her.    Might want to make an awards chart and each time she helps you, does as she is ask, and acts well in public she gets a sticker.  Purchase a sticker book of her choice and stickers she likes.  You put one on the chart and she puts one in her book.  She will be proud, and the whole family can be in on the fun.  Most importantly don't allow yourself to feel guilty for trying to protect her from danger, and teaching her to respect your wishes, you are doing the right thing!!!!!!!  Way to go MOM!!!