What did you do when your child threw a temper tantrum in public?

Question

I'm asking about a huge tantrum like when they're screaming and on the floor at a grocery store for example. Did you slowly walk away hoping they would follow and stop or try to talk them out of it? Did you give in to what they wanted? Did you pick them up and walk out of the store? Or did you put them in the cart and continue to shop while they're still throwing the tantrum. If you didn't do any of these, what did you do? What do you think the best solution is when a kid throws a temper tantrum in public?

Answer 1

It depends on where you're at and how bad the tantrum is. I have given in before, I have left, and I have tried to talk to her (she's only 2 1/2 years old so it's hard to rationalize with a toddler). I hate all the people looking at you. They don't know if your child is sick, missed her nap, or what the whole situation is. I don't know what I'll do the next time until I'm there.

Answer 2

What I do, is walk far enough away and around an aisle, that they can NOT see you. You CAN still see them, but they can't see you. Within a few minutes, they will realize that you are nowhere to be found, get scared and calm down. They will get up, come looking for you, and be happy enough to see you again- that they will not even remember they were throwing a fit. People could call this mean, but chances are, you will only have to do this once. But remember, if they walk in the wrong direction, you do have to go get them. Lol. I'm sorry, it's no laughing matter. Try this and I guarantee that it will work. But DON't give in. It just teaches the child that they can do it again and get their way. Hope this helps.

EDIT: I beg to disagree with the above person that says "don't walk away, it only takes a second for someone to snatch them." It only takes a second to snatch a peaceful child that is not writhing on the floor like some kind of animal. Trust me, no one is going to snatch a kid that is kicking & screaming like a maniac. Especially in a store- when the kid has been screaming for a few minutes and everyone in said store has come to see who was making the racket. :)

Answer 3

It's personal preference. I have done all of the forementioned tactics. Most of the time, I just picked him up and walked out of the store with him. This lets him know he's not getting what he wanted, and it lets the other shoppers shop in peace. I have used the one about picking him up and putting him in the shop cart and ignoring him, but you get really ugly looks from others. At home is when it's best to ignore them. Don't walk away, it only takes a second for someone to snatch them. Be firm, take them away from the area, when you get him to the car let him know you will not be returning to the store until he calms down. If he can't calm down, try to decide on taking him to someones house while you return to the store alone.

Answer 4

My daughter did this to me and a grabbed her by the srm, held tight enough so she couldn't get away, but not enogh to hurt her and I walked with my arm locked at my side, with my head up high and went straight to my car. She screamed as loud as she could the whole way. When we got in the car, she knew better not to say a word! Needless to say she was grounded for quite sometime.

Answer 5

Stop exactly where I am leave everything and walk my child out. Children should not do this and it is embarassing. I don't know how you feel about punishment and you may decide to spank or just give them a timeout, but def. needs to be addressed otherwise they will continue to do it.

Answer 6

Normally I stand there and wait for him to finish...or sometimes just pick him up and put him into the cart...I NEVER give in to his demands...that will only re-inforce what he wants.