How do you deal with tantrums in public?

Question

My son is 2 and a half. He sometimes has meltdowns in public and they are very hard to deal with because it takes a great deal of time and patience to get hims to cool down.

Answer 1

You said it yourself: Time & Patience. And,
Consistency in whatever you decide is best!

PS: Don't sweat the small stuff, Mommy
Save your energy for the teen years !!!

Answer 2

Take him by the hand and leave the environment. It will be hard on you at 1st but you need to condition HIM or he will always be doing this.
Another thing, have you been openly praising him any where any time when he DOES behave?
My friend tells her 3 yr old that she's behaving very nicely and then has a end of the day treat, weather 10 extra minutes at the park or other surprise. When the child starts to act up remind the child to act nicely or have to give up treat. You must also remember that children wear down quicker. So if you have a shopping errand planned, try to do them early- after breakfast or a snack and even right after a nap. Keep the errand short. Maybe bring along a special game or toy "just" for errands to keep them occupied.


Hope this helps.

:o)

Answer 3

Problem: Your child is kicking and screaming on the floor.

Solution 1: Run frantically to the child who must be suffering some kind of terrible pain. Pick or help child up. Gasp & show extreme concern while inspecting for ouches and the like. Hug & kiss the child, tell child with much relief that "Whew! you're ok."
Solution 2: Look around, ask the child, "Do you hear that? The store is closing. Look at all those people leaving." [point to people walking by] "It's time to go."
Solution 3: Remember your 'I'm in charge' voice. Mom's sometimes forget and go into a rushed angry panic. Slow down and use your instincts and imagination -- otherwise you are in danger of abusing your child verbally or physically.

Answer 4

How we dealt with naughty behavior inside stores and in public was to stop what we were doing ( I know its hard, but were the momma) and take them to the car very calmly. Once to the car, we told them they were now getting a spanking for their behavior. And we followed through. Not good to wait till you get home, because of the short attention spans.

Calling Santa may sound like a quick easy solution, but the child will figure out that its a lie, and future disipline will be more difficult. For anyone to behave in this world, they have to fear the results of the misbehavior, This goes for children and adults.

For those of you who are against spanking, sorry, its an effective child rearing tool, and like anything else in this world can and is abused.

Answer 5

When my kids were that age, I would try to calmly take them into the restroom or find another somewhat secluded area where I could talk to them without the distractions and people staring. If you just can't get him to calm down, leave as quickly as possible and deal with it once you get in the car or at home. Don't worry ~ it happens to everyone. My second son is 7 and has ADHD, and we still get the occasional meltdown at the store if he gets worked up about something. Hang in there!

Answer 6

it particularly is mostly a no longer trouble-free one. i attempt to refrain from spanking in any respect if i'm out in public. i'm no longer against spanking completely, yet I do think of there are different issues to attempt and make the main of earlier spanking. whilst i'm on the shop and my babies try this (my 4-year-old has a tendency to act the type you defined), I frequently leave and don't come back. as quickly as I get living house, he will take a seat in his room in day out for 4 minutes. each each now and then, based on the offense (despite led to the tantrum), he loses yet another privilege of a few type (no television till after naps, no playing exterior, some thing of that nature). yet maximum frequently, i will purely leave the shop if my young ones are having a tantrum. each each now and then all they choose is a couple of minutes in the vehicle to calm down and then we circulate back in. yet i've got left grocery buying, even a buying cart packed with groceries earlier, whilst my young ones have acted up.

Answer 7

honestly, deal with it just like you were at home, if he does like my son and throws himself on the floor and Cries let him do it. just calmly stand right by him to make sure he don't hurt himself, if someone looks at you (most likely it will be someone who has never had a kid) just ignore them or simply say hes a kid. Once hes done with the tantrum you can get on with what you were doing. Remember, hes having a tantrum because hes upset or mad about something and needs to get it out and that's the only way he knows or can think of at the time to get it out.

mother of 2

Answer 8

Get on his level - tell him that it is absolutely unacceptable behavior. Let him know that if it doesn't stop -NOW! - that you will _____________. (Fill in the blank - but be ABSOLUTELY prepared to follow through). When it doesn't stop - because it won't the first few times - then you follow through with what you said you would do. It won't take too long and he'll get the message that you are serious and that there are consequences to his actions. This will be very important for both of you in the coming years and as a life lesson for him. (How many "adults" do you know that don't realize that there are consequences to their actions!)?

Answer 9

I am sorry for you...it is so frustrating and sometimes embarassing when your kids throw temper tantrums in public....(I have a 6 & 4 yr. old) I feel your pain! : )
When this happens to us, I will pick the child up, take him/her to the bathroom and have a serious face-to-face talk. Most often, I will pick him/her up, take them to the car and leave...it might mean ending your shopping trip (or whatever), but they know that you are serious...when we get home they go to their rooms and have a time out. good luck!

Answer 10

Don't give into Tantrums.. Kids learn as fast as a sponge soaks water up. Time and patience is hard but necessary skill. As soon as you back down the child will learn how and when he/she will get their ways. This will make things worse for yourself as your child grows older. And don't bribe them to be good. ie; Candy. , The Santa thing I can see working.. though.

Answer 11

Immediately remove him from where the tantrum is happening. Take him to your car and tell him that you will not go back in until he can behave. If he persists, just take him home and complete your errand another time. Do NOT bribe him for good behavior.