This incident made me think about what you can do as a parent to discipline your kids while going to malls, theatres or multiplexes.

Children don't usually understand what constitutes as appropriate behavior in public places. They have to be trained, informed about the processes of behaving as a member of the society. And you play an important role in teaching them all this.

When disciplining, it is also important not to wait for some kind of 'damage' before you panic and punish your child. It is an ongoing process for a child and you can always explain and teach your child the basic etiquettes. Behavioral training is about preparing your child for the world he has to live in and preventing possible problems arising from misbehavior.

Disciplining a child involves teaching him/her self-control, responsibility, increasing his/her self-esteem by reinforcing the right behavior and preparing him/her for roles such as behaving in a school environment.

Five Steps to Discipline

1. Firmly say "No!"

When the child is hyperactive in a public place, it is important to say "No" assertively. Look into the child's eyes, while doing so as facial expressions can say lot more than words.

If the child does not listen, it might become imperative to physically move your child or and walk away to another place.

2. Distract

A simple thing like diverting the child's attention to something else, when she starts behaving inappropriately can help as a quick-fix.

3. Introduce the Concept of Public and Private Space

Allow your children to have all the fun they want at home, but at the same time make them understand how to behave with others and also other people's property. You can try explaining this to the child using examples of their own toys, or something that is precious to them. Remind them of how it would make them feel if their friend or relative broke it or took it away.

4. Set Limits

Setting boundaries with regard to physical property, respect for others, physical harm and psychological harm is very essential. You can explain all this to the child in a language that he understands. Use logic that appeals to him.

5. Explain the Right Behaviour

Normally parents tell the child what not to do, often forgetting that it is imperative to say what to do. I remember a teacher saying that children are usually told not to run in the school corridors when it would be more effective to say "Don't run, but walk."

When I see a child running and playing at a place like a movie theatre, I explain to the child that he can play at home instead because a movie hall is not a playground.

Dos

• Don't be strict, be firm.
• Be consistent in terms of what you say.
• Say what you mean.
• Remember you are your child's first role model.
• Make the consequences of child's misbehavior very clear.
• Reward positive behavior.
• Make punishments and rewards immediate.

Don'ts

• Don't encourage their temper tantrums.
• Don't argue over punishment.
• Don't spank the child.

If you still feel that you might need some assistance for disciplining the child, you can seek the help of a counselor.

Some books that provide some tips on effective parenting are Dr Phil's "Family First", Thomas Gordon's "Parent Effective Training" and Adele Faber's "How To Talk So Kids Will Listen And Listen So Kids Will Talk.