You’re in public and your child makes an embarrassing comment to someone. They pick their nose while you are eating at a restaurant. They share an embarrassing story about you. Every parent has been there and most of the time, other parents understand the ups and downs of parenting and are willing to be patient, help out, and excuse behaviors that seem impolite or embarrassing. Sticky situations with kids can be difficult to navigate, but there are a few things you can do to make the best of them.
“Noah said a bad word!”
“Emma is staring at me funny!”
It feels like the tattling never stops!
The dictionary defines tattling as reporting another's wrongdoing, but it often feels like it's a child’s way of getting attention while throwing another kid directly under a bus.
So, why do we pay attention? Because sometimes kids see things we don’t, and we need to keep everyone safe.
“Hannah said she doesn’t want to be my friend anymore!” cried eight-year-old Lilly, bursting into the house with her face buried in her hands. She had just come home from a playdate.
My friend glanced at me, perplexed. “This happens all the time,” she sighed. “One day they’re inseparable, the next they’re fighting. You’re the psychologist – what do I do?”
Kids Up Front is a registered charity and was founded 25 years ago by John Dalziel, who attended a game at the Saddledome and saw many empty seats. He knew so many kids would love the chance to sit in those seats if given the opportunity. That is when the idea for Kids Up Front was born. Since then, the organization has grown immensely with chapters in Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax. 25 years later, that initial spark of an idea has ignited a national movement of generosity, inclusion and unforgettable experiences.
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