How to respond to your toddler that wants something so bad in a store but you won't allow them to have it?

Question

I know I'm gonna have to go through this soon. Also, I've seen mothers that would get all the way up to the cashier and then take away whatever their child was hoping to get and then he/she just cries.

Answer 1

when shopping dont let your child carry things round the store because of course they think their going to be able to take them home and are devastated when they realize they cant. the best way is to try and prevent it in the first place get your child involved in the shopping give he/she a basket and tell them things that they need to get for you then reward them when you get to the checkout with something they like eg. sweets, fruit. they soon realize that being help full is the best way to get things they want.

if that fails and they look like their going to throw a tantrum just get in their first and throw the tantrum yourself the look on their face will be priceless lol

Answer 2

I think you need to set a limit before you walk into the store so your child knows what to expect. The limit can be that they can get one small thing or that they can't get anything that time. My mom had a shopping rule that worked for me. I was allowed to get one thing per shopping day. It was usually a pack of gum.

Another thing that works well is to have a list. When your child wants something, say you'll put it on the list for a birthday or Christmas. By the time that date arrives, they will not be able to remember everything on the list.

If your child is used to one of these approaches, they are not likely to throw a fit in a store. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Planning ahead is definitely your best bet. Bringing the little ones to the store can be stressful for you when all you're trying to do is feed your family. Sounds like you are looking ahead, so bring little one regularly now and teach him/her that YOU are the one making the choices. Yes they'll do it anyway, so a nice backup plan might include letting the kid pick out a treat for the whole family rather than just for your child.

Then there's more often than not, the kid-friendly check out aisle that doesn't include spontaneous buying hyped items. If your store doesn't have one, request one from the manager and remind the person that they'll have a lot less screaming kids!

Answer 4

you have to be strong, and just tell them no, the only way a child is going to learn that what Mom and dad says they can't have or do something, is by telling them no, I know it's hard to do, and you will want to give in, because the child is crying, but that is a childs way of making us feel guilty as adults ;)

The more you give in, the more the expect something the next time, what I reccomend, is when they ask for something at the store is telling the child no at that time, but a few days later when they least expect it, pick up a little something while your out shopping, and give it to the child then, that way they will learn that they can't have everything they want.

Answer 5

There is some great advice already here, I would just like to add something. At 2 1/2 I started giving my oldest an allowance. When he would ask for something I would ask if he had enough allowance. It worked for us. I would also involve him in the shopping, letting him make some of the decisions about things we needed; which kind of apple? what cereal (with me as veto)? you get the idea!

Answer 6

first off don't let them take something you don't plan to buy them
2nd off before you go in - tell them if they behave then you will buy them something small ( give them a choice between the small things)

If child gets hysterical just lift him up and take him out the store - don't yell or lecture just do it - after they are calm repeat procedure 2

Answer 7

"Not today, but we'll put that on your list!"

Keep a list for Santa, the Easter Bunny and birthdays, etc. This can either be a list in your head or you can carry a small notebook and write it down for the child so that they see that you understand that it's important to them.

Answer 8

Look in their eyes and explain to them why they can't have them. Talk to them nicely. Be firm with your decision but not angry.

Next time, tell them before you step out of the house that they can't have anything (examples: toys, sweets or ice-cream) be specific. Stick to your words firmly. Don't go softy on your words...

Answer 9

firm no, and don't let them pick it up in the first place. Sometimes it is easier to put them in the cart. letting them play with it and then taking it away is cruel

Answer 10

Whatever happened to discipline? If your child throws a fit, spank him.