Prince Louis was the talk of the town when he attended King Charles’s Coronation on Saturday. The adorable little prince stayed longer than expected because he was enjoying the music and spectacle before him. All eyes were on him as he marvelled at his mother’s robes in Westminster Abbey and mastered a new double-handed royal wave.
Tips for Keeping Your Children’s Behavior in Check at Formal Events (Like Prince Louis!)
Source: REUTERS
Attending a formal event with children can be challenging, especially if you want them to behave like Prince Louis.
Here are some tips to help your child’s behaviour at a formal party.
Anticipate Triggers and Make Your Child Comfortable
Formal events require dressy attire, which can be irritating for some children. It’s best to err on the side of making your child comfortable, not picture-perfect. Let them wear comfortable layers and give them permission to remove them after a certain time.
For instance, they can wear a suit jacket for family photos only. If this bothers relatives, assure them that everyone is having a better time because of their more relaxed look.
Prepare Your Child for the Event Like He’s Prince Louis at the Coronation
It’s essential to prepare your child for the amount of sitting they’ll have to do during the event. You can consider having your child skip part of the event and instead attend the reception.
However, if you do want them to attend the ceremony, prepare them for the amount of sitting they’ll have to do. If reading is a problem, tell them they don’t have to follow along with passages.
You can also consider bringing small toys that they can play with quietly. Sit near an exit so they can make a quiet departure if they need a break.
Role-Play Interactions
Formal events are full of personal contacts, like hugs, handshakes, and dancing close to one another. If touching is problematic for your child, they may feel like recoiling at every turn.
Role-play interactions with family and friends before the event so they know how greetings might look and feel. Encourage your child to smile, wave, and make and maintain eye contact during hellos and conversations.
Explain the Sequence of Events
Kids may feel anxious and become boisterous if they’re just told to quietly go along with what’s happening without understanding the sequence of events.
Explain to your child what they will experience days before the event, like the location, timeframe, who’ll be there, what will be expected of them, and how the event will unfold. During breaks, remind your child what comes next.
Avoid Overstimulation
A noisy room full of dancing people and flashing lights can be way too much for kids who are sensitive to sights and sounds. Avoid overstimulation by taking your child to a quiet place during the event.
You can also bring noise-cancelling headphones, a weighted blanket, or a favourite stuffed animal to help them feel secure.
Prince Louis: Your Kid’s Best Role Modeln for Best Behaviour
Formal events can be challenging for children to manoeuvre, but by anticipating what might cause behaviour problems, you can make it easier for them to attend and have a great time.
Prince Louis’s attendance at King Charles’s Coronation was a family moment that everyone will treasure, and your child’s attendance at a formal event can be just as special.
By following these tips, your child can behave like Prince Louis and make the most of their experience at a formal party.
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