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Behaviour/development

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Behavior with older children out and about

4 replies

Thirder · 08/05/2021 17:27

We took the children out today as we haven't been outside of our local supermarket and general area in ages.
It was a town nearby and they were excited to go somewhere new and chattering happily in the back of the car.
When we got there, a garden centre, with playground, nice bakery, type place, with promises of treats after a stroll around, the two children were walking into each other on purpose, banging against each other. I kept them apart by holding the 7 years old hand and he kept pulling away, not like him to do that after being warned to stop.
Then he proceeded to try to hit his brother, and tried to stomp on his dad's foot repeatedly. His mood was happy/giddy and really naughty.
I was so embarrassed. His 10 year old brother wasn't much better he kept walking away and we had to keep calling him back to stay with us. Each time he came back and then walked off again!
I know life hasn't had much opportunities for social skills lately and being out of the house as a family was unusual. But this was really off the charts behavior wise and I'm not keen for a repeat performance.
Next time, maybe they need a pep talk on what we expect. But is there any way of dealing with this at the time that might work for others? Or any explanation for what went wrong?
I am so disappointed to be back home and cross.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
BackforGood · 08/05/2021 18:34

But this was really off the charts behavior wise and I'm not keen for a repeat performance.

Seriously ??
Two siblings larking about.

You are being completely OTT
Nothing "went wrong" - just two siblings mucking about.

AliceW89 · 08/05/2021 19:13

I think you need to take the pressure off yourself, OP. A 7 yo and a 10 yo messing around and bumping into each other isn’t bad behaviour in my books. As long as they aren’t hurting each other/anyone else or damaging any property then it’s just normal behaviour from understandably very excited children in my mind (maybe I’m too lenient)! Maybe if this hadn’t escalated to making the 7 yo hold your hand he wouldn’t have started hitting and stomping? Likewise, 10 year olds are going to wander - as long as he was coming back when you asked him to (which you said in your post he did) I’m struggling to see where the problem is! Hope future trips are more enjoyable for you x

Thirder · 08/05/2021 19:34

Maybe I do!
Maybe it was excitement just expressed in an infuriating way.
I'm not used to it either so struggled to manage it. Had a baby with us too and started thinking I'm not sure I'm cut out for a trip with 3 children, its too many!

OP posts:
AliceW89 · 08/05/2021 19:42

Bless you! A baby and two children is no mean feat at all. I’m mega impressed you managed everything you did, definitely take the pressure of yourself. Congratulate yourself in fact, organising and achieving all of that is a massive parent win in my books x

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