So say we’re out somewhere and things start to fall apart — kids are going in all different directions, no one is listening and chaos is taking over. This is when I call a huddle.

I say, “Huddle!” and squat down so I’m on their level. We’ve done it so many times now that they know to come right away and they all gather around real close. I say, “Look at my eyes, look at my eyes.”

Once everyone is attentive, we regroup. I may or may not tell them what is happening that should not be happening. I always tell them what we are going to do and what I expect (“It’s too loud. Please use your inside voices.”). I always try to remember to reference “Go Team Andrews!” in some way. Sometimes we even put our hands in the middle and do a little cheer. Cheesy? Why yes, yes it is. But fostering a “we’re in it together and we have to count on each other” atmosphere is quite effective in encouraging everyone to shape up.

I love a good huddle — it’s like rebooting your computer. Everything seems to work just a little bit smoother.

What about you? What are your tricks to encourage decent behavior in public?

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