The Fine Art of Disciplining Other People’s Kids: What to Do and How to Do It
- The PB Scoop
- Nov 4, 2009
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 16, 2023
By Dr. Michele Borba
Get on board with the other parent. Anytime you are responsible for the care of another child always introduce yourself to the other kid’s parent. You can exchange emergency information but also bring up discipline. “Are here any special rules you’d like your child to follow?” What would you like me to do if they act up when they’re with me?”
A brief chat will clue you into the parent’s discipline views and also make things easier in case there is a problem.
Review ground rules. Lay down the law with your child before the friend arrives and even post those core house rules on your refrigerator. You or your child can quickly review those rules to any first-time guest.
Know your discipline limits. Most parents have no problem if you remind their kids of your house rules or enforce them. The problem is when you use certain types of punishment. A few general no-no’s: Don’t spank another child. Ever. Don’t be judgmental “You’re so naughty.” Don’t push. You may not use time-out, take away the other kid’s personal possessions or ground a child from a future event. Don’t discipline if the child if his parent is present. Whatever the kid does, the parent is in child. (You may take the kid by the hand and “return” him to the parent. You may review your rules in front of the parent: “We don’t throw balls in my house.” But you can’t discipline.
Make “safety” your core policy. Step in for any safety issue: Aggression or cruelty (hitting, biting, fighting, slapping, or exclusion. Risky behaviors like jumping off the roof, running with a sharp object, experimenting with alcohol. Leaving your property. Using technology with Internet access that access adult or inappropriate content.
Use “cool” discipline and watch your terms. You do not have to tolerate any guest’s acting inappropriately. Just remember that the child may later share with his parent how you discipline (and those stories can be embellished). For instance, best to not use “time-out” but you can still say, “Looks like you both need time to cool down. Why not sit here a bit until you’re ready to play again.”
Call the parent for severe infractions. If you’ve tried the cooler discipline approaches and the guest continues to misbehave, you could:
Issue a warning that if he continues to not follow your rules you will call his parent (and then follow through).
Separate the kids. Put your child in another rom for the remainder of the playdate, but keep the guest in a central spot you can still supervise.
Take the child home. Call the parent and explain that the two kids seem to need a break from each other, then ask if it would be acceptable to drive the guest home. Never do so without that permission and never tell a child to go home without calling the parent to make sure she is there.
Decide if the parent needs to be told. Do realize the child may give his own interpretation, so better it come from you. Use a tactful way” “This is a little problem we had today. I’m sure you would want to know so I wanted to tell you what the kids were up to.
Every kid (even yours) has a bad day now and then and deserves a second chance. But if the guest’s behavior continues to be a problem at your home, despite your best efforts, it may be time to tell the child that he may not come over until his behavior improves. Just be prepared to tell his parents the same.
Michele Borba, Ed.D., is an educational psychologist, former teacher, and mom who is recognized for offering research-driven advice culled from a career of working with over one million parents, educators, and children. A frequent Today show contributor she also appears on Dr. Phil, The View, CNN American Morning, and The Early Show, Michele is the author of 22 books including her latest release, The Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries. Visit her daily blog on www.micheleborba.com or follow her on twitter.com/micheleborba.