Let's face it. There is nothing worse then your bratty little kid throwing a tantrum in public. It makes you wonder what kind of monster he or she will grow up to be. Sometime you can see a bully or master manipulator about to flower. It can be unpleasant.
Some bad behavior is normal. Toddlers always hit each other and shove each other around. It is also normal for them to grab things whenever they can. However it is not normal for a six year old to be doing the same things. Maturity is growing out of the bad behaviors associated with being a toddler.
A toddler that pushes another might seem like a bully but this is normal behavior. However if an eight year old does it then it is time to show some discipline. Step in and stop the behavior.
There are lots of reasons a kid can be badly behaved and not all of them are your fault. You can gently encourage your child to play nicely with other children and punish him or her if they are violent, grabby or pushy. Explain all about behavior in your best baby talk. This will help them learn how to mature into a nice six year old.
Whiny toddlers can grow up to be rude teenagers. It is okay for a toddler to think they are the center of the universe but it is not so attractive in an older kid. You do not want your fourteen year old to think that the world revolves around her and nobody else and that they can do whatever they want to.
One thing I learned is that it is a big mistake to reward any behavior like this. Never cave in to a bratty kid. If you reward bad behaviors the kid will never ever stop them. Reprimand the child without being rude yourself. Explain why the behavior was wrong and why they might be distracting or upsetting to others.
Don't feel bad having to discipline a child for being a brat. You are, in the end, teaching him or her to have good manners. Don't let your child interrupt when someone else is talking. Make him or her say 'thank you and please.' Explain to your kid how having good manners makes others more inclined to help him or her in the world.
Don't forget the other side of the coin! You should also be specific with congratulations and praise if your kid does well. Reward him or her for acting appropriately in social setting. Be a good role model and you child will follow your example. That means no throwing tantrums for you either!