Preventing Public Temper Tantrums
Parenting Tips for Preventing a Public Toddler Meltdown
Jan 18, 2007
Life B.C. (before children) was much different. Back then, when you saw a screaming toddler in the store you shook your head and wondered why that mother didn’t control her child. Now things have changed. You are the mother with the screaming child and the eyes of what feels like everyone in the store are on you. The first time it happened you probably grabbed your toddler and high tailed it out of the store hoping that you would never see any of those people again. When you realized that toddler tantrums were not a one time occurrence and through it all life stubbornly continued with its daily demands you needed to find a way to deal with your toddlers public melt downs.
Tired toddlers are unpredictable. You know they will react to the slightest disturbance with varying degrees of screaming and arm flailing. Life gets hectic and things don’t always go the way that you planned them to. Sometimes you have to take a tired toddler out in public but you are just asking for a tantrum. Try and plan ahead so that your toddler stays fairly well rested. Keep a regular naptime schedule so that your toddler gets the amount of sleep that they need throughout the day.
Do feed the bears. Hungry toddlers have no patience for crowded stores or slow lines. Carry a selection of healthy snacks that can be eaten on the go. Small snacks will tide your toddler over until you can get home and will probably have the added bonus of keeping your toddler occupied so you can get your errands done faster. Take snacks that are fairly clean if spilled, because we all know that spills will probably happen. Dried fruit and nuts are good choices. Small bags of crackers that are not too crumbly are always a hit with toddlers.
Keep your toddler informed about your plans. Young children need transitions between activities. If you tell them what your plans are while you are away from the house they can anticipate what is going to happen and be better prepared. Toddlers are little people and they like to know what is going on too. If they are confused about what is going on they are likely to become stressed and when that happens you are setting yourself up for a disaster.
Offer incentives for good behavior. Toddlers are easily bored and if they are not having fun you are sure to hear about it. Let them know that if they behave while you go somewhere you need to go they can do something they want to do when you are finished. The reward can be as simple as getting a drink from the water fountain in the store or stopping at the playground on the way home. Knowing that the trip will end with something they will enjoy will make your toddler a more willing tagalong. The anticipation of something that is interesting to them gives them the motivation to get through errands that are tedious for toddlers.
With any luck, these simple preparations will prevent a toddler tantrum and give you an enjoyable experience with your child. Tantrums will still happen but with careful discipline and teaching appropriate coping methods your toddler will eventually learn what behavior is appropriate in public places.
