This tip focuses on what a parent can do when their child starts to create a scene in public. Sometimes this happens so often that the parent often wonders if their child has oppositional defiant disorder, also known as ODD.

I know that when children create scenes in public, parents end up feeling that everybody is looking at them and can also get embarrassed. It is a natural reaction for people to turn at look at any commotion… your child’s current tantrum just happens to be the commotion they turn to for that moment.

However, what’s most important is that you keep focused on your child. Bad behavior on your child’s part should not be disregarded.

Essentially, when children act out, they are trying to tell you something the only way they know how.

They could be acting out because they are tired, hungry or simply can’t cope with a situation they find a bit sticky at that moment.

While you might feel like the center of attention, and while it could be embarrassing, it is imperative that you maintain focus and remember that your child is your foremost priority. This is normal child behavior, it happens, it’s part of life.

To lessen the likelihood of these explosions in public, it is a good idea to make sure your child is fed and rested before you take him out.

If you truly have a child with oppositional defiant disorder, otherwise known as ODD, you will see the tantrums even when you know the child is not hungry, attention deprived or tired. If you suspect your child to have oppositional defiant disorder, you can take this simple quiz.

Children need their parents and they need parents with great parenting skills. If your child has ODD, you need super parenting skills.

Children want and need strong parents, and as a parent you have to put your child’s needs first, even if this results in rolling eyeballs and tsk- tsks sounds from passersby.

Your child could quite simply be hungry, want to be pointed in the right direction, or simply want your steadfast attention.

Children often create a scene to give out a message. When situations such as these occur in public, it can be embarrassing, but you still need to get over how you feel and place your child’s needs first.

This means if you determine your child is hungry, feed him, if he is thirsty, give him something to drink, etc. If your child actually has oppositional defiant disorder, there is a whole different set of issues going on that need to be addressed and you will need to enroll in an excellent parenting program and be ready to be very strong.

Therefore, the next time your child creates a scene in public, recognize the problem, do not concern yourself about what the people in the vicinity are thinking, and attend to your child’s requirements first.