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She’s at it again. You’re in the grocery store and she wants that bag of M&Ms in the worst way. She is screeching and kicking her legs on the floor. People are looking at you. Should you pick her up and give her the candy? Leave her there kicking and screaming? What?
- Agree to disagree. Tell your child you understand that she wants the candy and she is sad about it. She will probably calm down enough where you can discuss the problem.
- Discuss appropriate behavior at the store before you arrive. Practice being nice to mommy and asking for things without crying for them.
- Letting your child know that he has been good on a particular visit and that you are happy to take him to the store because of that builds confidence where candy doesn’t.
- Move your child from the area and stand by him silently until the screaming ends. Yes, you will get some looks, but don’t be bothered by them. Be calm.
- Make sure your child is fed before going grocery shopping. Make sure he is not tired. Being hungry and sleepy are the two most common reasons children have temper-tantrums.
- Realize that temper tantrums usually occur when a child is trying to get what they want. Giving in to their wants is rarely the solution to an escalating problem.
Temper tantrums in children end quickly when we don’t get angry and we acknowledge the feelings of our child instead of trying to quiet them through yelling or force.
