- 1). Take a few breaths and remain calm. Scolding or yelling will make the tantrum worse, and you don't the need the adults to start bickering about how to deal with the situation, either.
- 2). If the child is screaming or becoming violent, immediately escort him to a private area and send an usher to get his parents. They are best equipped to care for their kid, and they might be angered if someone else steps in. Don't frustrate yourself by trying to reason with a little boy who's hollering at the top of his lungs, because he's in too emotional of a state for it to do any good. If the attendant can't be calmed by the time the ceremony starts, go on without him. It's better to let him cool down than for him to throw a bigger fit before an audience.
- 3). Take the child aside and give her time to vent. This can help you figure out why she is having a meltdown. The flower girl could be crying because it's past her nap time; the ring bearer might balk out of sudden stage fright.
- 4). Ofter him options to help him cope, and set him up to succeed. For instance, ask the scared ring bearer if he'd like an usher to escort him, or if he wants a parent to stand by the altar for him to focus on. Promise the tired flower girl that if she just walks down the aisle, she can nap on her dad's lap during the ceremony.
- 5). If the tot decides to make a U-turn or a headlong dash for the end, or wander into the pews when she sees her mommy, laugh it off. The guests definitely will. Let her parent finish guiding her to the altar. However, when the ring bearer throws himself to the ground and pummels it with his fists, get his closest relative to remove him from the scene pronto.
- 6). Compliment the children after they fulfill their duties. Say, "You were a very brave boy!" or "Thank you for helping us out. We know it's been a long day for you."
- 7). Shrug it off as much as you can. You have a wedding reception left to enjoy. Most likely, you will be laughing over champagne about it within hours.
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