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Handling Public Temper Tantrums
Hints on helping you handle temper tantrums.
By: Taylor_Blue on: Tue 24 of Apr, 2007 [01:24 UTC] (14272 reads)
How to handle a temper tantrum in public

Temper tantrums are the biggest test of a parent’s patience. A temper tantrum is an uncontrolled outburst of emotion. The most common ages that exhibit this behaviour are between two and four. They may include yelling, physically doing things, or both. They are different for every child. Common things that happen with them are crying and hitting.


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No matter what, your toddler is going to have a temper tantrum in public. Be sure you understand temper tantrumsexternal link. Be prepared for people to stare and even whisper. But most of make sure you have a plan before it happens.

It will most likely happen when your child has had enough of going on errands with you. They are probably tired, hungry or bored, especially if you've been out shopping with the kidsexternal link. These can all be reasons why the temper tantrum will happen. And it will be something really little that will set them off.

You should have in mind what you will do before it happens so you are not trying to sort through your database in your head while the world ends in front of you. Here are some ideas for dealing with these public tantrums.

Just walk away

It’s good to put some space between you and your toddler. Get ready for the stares and whispers because they will happen. Some people might even have the guts to say it out loud. They will think that you have abandoned your child and that you should be comforting them instead.

But don’t worry. Everyone has their own opinion. Just stick with yours. When your toddler has settled down a bit go down to his level and try whispering in his ear, “I know you are upset, but it is time to calm down now.” I know it is easier said then done.

Stop what you are doing and leave

This is the hardest thing of all to do. It’s hard to just walk away from that cart full of groceries but you must do it. If you must carry your child to get out of there, do it. Your toddler is telling you something so getting out of there is probably the best thing you can do.

Prevent the tantrum all together

All public temper tantrums can’t be prevented, but remember sometimes you can push things to be that way. You may be pushing your toddler by running that one last errand. It may be tempting to make one more stop but is a meltdown really worth it. Just get your toddler home and run the errand tomorrow.


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Taylor_Blue3104 points 
other people
on: Thu 03 of May, 2007 [01:32 UTC] score: 0.60 Vote: 1 2 3 4 5

I think the hardest part is not getting upset when people look at you. I had my son have a major melt down and everyone there knew me because I shop there every day. I just took a hold of him and carried him. But the looks I got made me mad. I wasn't yelling at him or anything and they still stared. People should stay out of most people's business.



author message
totanaliz2212 points 
Other people´s reactions
on: Sun 29 of Apr, 2007 [14:45 UTC] score: 0.59 Vote: 1 2 3 4 5

My kid did this once, a real temper fit because I wouldn´t get him sweets whilst we were waiting in the queue at the post office. And yes, whilst I did all the "textbook" things, and ignored him, and told him firmly "no", in the end I did have to leave the shop. The hardest bit was the reactions of the other shoppers, I´m sure at some point most of the moms have been there, but you still can feel the disapproval! Still, at least I didn´t give in I suppose! I think the article is right, don´t make it any more stressful, you can always complete the chores another day and in the grand scheme of things it is just one incident, quickly forgotten.redface



author message
jaybee99920030 points 
Stay Calm and Confident
on: Tue 24 of Apr, 2007 [19:22 UTC] score: 0.60 Vote: 1 2 3 4 5

Above all, remain calm. Don't help the tantrum to escalate.

Try to think why the tantrum happened in the first place because that should help you to decide how to deal with it. If it was caused by you refusing candy or toys, just ignore it. Walk away and if necessary pick up your child and leave with them.

If your child is tired or unwell, comfort them quietly, rubbing their back and talking to them quietly. Yes you'll have people staring at you and whispering that if it was their child they'd be getting a swat right now - but they are *not* their child - and you know your child best.

If they're bored, distract them with a task to help you. Most children love to help.




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