My 2 and a half year old son threw the worst tantrum ever today because he wanted another toy in addition to the one he was already getting. I could barely hold him, he was thrashing around kicking and screaming. If I set him down he would throw himself down and bent himself into weird positions like the girl on the Exorcist. Is there anyway to stop a tantrum such as this? If he starts getting crazy at home, I put him in his room.
2007-09-23 15:03:01 · 16 answers · asked by Candy H 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Put down BOTH toys and take him to the car. He may be able to calm down there or you may want to just take him home. It's hard being a growing toddler and when they get tired or stressed they through huge fits. Been there, done that. If you really can't hold him it's okay to let him have the fit on the floor. If there's a carpeted area it would be nice to move him there.
2007-09-23 16:24:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's always so embarrassing when your child throws a tantrum in public. But, you know what, the parents that see this are in complete sympathy with you - so don't feel bad! You will need to stop and drop everything you are doing and bodily carry him out of the store and back to your car. Put him in the car (make sure there's nothing in the car that he can hurt himself with and take the keys with you!), tell him you are timing him out until he calms down, shut the door and wait outside the door until he calms down. Use a firm voice, don't yell or act like you are mad. Eventually, he'll wear himself down. Then open the door, tell him that what he did in the store was not nice. Tell him that you were going to get him [toy 1], but not toy 2, now he doesn't get either. Tell him next time you go to the store, you can try it again. If you tell him no, then no means no and you expect him to behave. You may have to do this several times until he finally gets it.
Next time you go to the store, before you leave the house, tell him what you expect - that he behaves and no crying. Tell him he will only get one toy and that's it. Tell him to expect a time out if he misbehaves. Sure, he's only 2 1/2, but believe me, they are smart and they understand.
2007-09-23 15:17:29 · answer #2 · answered by lordmisrule2004 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just don't say a word to your child. Put the toy he is already "getting" back on the shelf pick him up and take him out of the store, buckle him in his car seat and take him home. At home - sit him down at talk to him (in easy words so he understands) about his actions.
Tell him if he behaves, you will get him one toy. (the original toy he was already getting) whatever you do, NEVER give in to a tantrum because it's easier. Children are smart - if you did that - your child will know that all i have to do to get my way is kick and scream and have a tantrum.
show your children who's "boss" and do not give in.
Good luck **
2007-09-29 05:36:25 · answer #3 · answered by morrigansstar 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stop. Pick him up. Leave everything that you were going to purchase behind and take him home with nothing.
Every time he pulls this repeat. He will realize that when he acts this way he gets nothing.
If you have someone with you then take him to the car. Put a/c on if it hot, heat on if it's cold. Put him in his car seat for couple of minutes. After the time if up tell him that we can go back into the store if he behaves.
When my husband and I go to the store together that's how we do it and it works.
2007-09-23 18:04:27 · answer #4 · answered by wondermom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
wow boys are the worst at the tantrums..ours would crawl across the floor like a half dead army guy on his arms..screaming his head off like crazy..we kept on walking..we wouldnt get out of sight or very far ahead..just enough that he had to get up to get to us..i dont honestly remember how we got him to stop..but it eventually did..and it had to do with not getting any toys..our daughter kinda did the same thing just not so bad..if she freaked in anyway that was it for the shopping and we went home..a few times of that and she stopped..
2007-09-23 15:12:04 · answer #5 · answered by bailie28 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You drop everything in the store ( even though you REALLY don't want to) and leave. Otherwise, this behavior will continue to happen. Once he has calmed down you can explain to him why you left the store and how his behavior needs to change. You can go to the store another time with him and try again. Like I said, I know this is a big hassle but it really works.
2007-09-28 02:50:52 · answer #6 · answered by hawk 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only way I know to deal with something like this is to pick the child up and leave the store. Yes, it totally screws up your shopping trip, but it shows your child you will simply not put up with that behavior and as a result, she gets no toy whatsoever. Good luck. You sure aren't alone!!!
2007-09-23 15:12:19 · answer #7 · answered by pookiemct07 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Do the same, meet his level, although practice this at home first. Happiest Toddler on the Block recommends something like this. Suppose to show that it verifies his thoughts, although you dont have to condone it. Id check out the book for more specifics. We found both the Toddler one and baby one very helpful.
2007-09-23 15:35:35 · answer #8 · answered by lillilou 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If possible I just ignore my son when he throws a tantrum. I don't even look at him. I just stand there until he is done.
In theory if they don't get a reward the behaviour will stop.
2007-09-23 15:14:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have two boys and I have never had them act out like that in public. It's the total opposite for me. They'll act out at home, but not in public. I would simply put both toys down, put him in in the cart, and finish your shopping. If you ignore his outburts, he'll learn that he won't get what he wants by acting that way, and he;ll have to change his tactics.
2007-09-23 15:32:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋