Simple Everyday Ways to Teach Your Child to
Have Control When They are With Their Friends......
(.... and, when they are on a team someday, we want them focused on themselves, their coach
and teammates and achieving ..... many times we have all experienced talking and lack of
focus, not just in children but even at staff meetings..... pulling focus to simply everyday things
will even affect their employment someday....)

One of my biggest concerns for children is that when they are off with friends (Jr. High -
College), that they are able to enjoy themselves and their friends; but also make good decision
and be safe.

This training starts now:
Teaching your child to structure and control their energy - ie. when they arrive at a mall, every
child sees the open area, and almost instinctively wants to run...... however, running is for
parks and other play areas.  "Set your child up for success"; before you even get out of
the car, let them know your expectations, hear a verbal agreement from the child (even as
young as 2 or 3), and only get out of the car once the agreement is met.  Many times malls
have "rides"..... Possibly your agreement is that once shopping is finished, they can have 1
ride.  Let them know the stores you are going to (otherwise they will ask the whole time), and
set them up so:
They know when you will be finished and they receive their reward.

Like wise when children enter a party or play area with friends,
make note of the circumstance.  If they are going to need to keep focus;
use constructive play before hand, and set time aside after their event / lesson / focus time
where they can use their energy.

The more you are willing to aid in structuring this time, the more your child will learn that they
don't have to "completely let loose and loose control to have fun".  Sometimes we get caught
up in letting them release energy, and totally forget how important this can be.  

Even in our parent / tot classes - when students run - we structure it.
They run down lines on the floor - in a circle - and taking turns...