4 Parent-Approved Ways To Tame Your Toddler’s Public Tantrums
Nobody will warn you about the dreaded public tantrums.
7 July 2017
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re not just frustrated BUT embarrassed, angry and helpless when it comes to dealing with your toddler’s public outbursts.
First of all, don’t beat yourself for being angry at them. It’s human and totally acceptable. However, what’s not acceptable is you showing it or taking out on them. While there were tonnes of advice on every aspect of parenting, nobody warned you about the dreaded hours when your innocent baby would turn into a crying machine. Well, that’s because no parents want to accept that they can’t deal with their children’s behaviour or their kid is out of their control.
Look at the bright side, this just proves you’re not alone in the parenting struggle. Your baby is now a growing individual with his/her own preferences in almost everything. They may not like what you feed them, when you wake them up or when you try to put them to bed. And they only know one way to express their displeasure — by crying out at the top of their lungs.
They also don’t really care if there are guests around or whether they are in the middle of a busy mall. If they’re going to be angry, they won’t hide it so be prepared to get some sympathetic (and some accusing glares) in malls, movies theatres and restaurants.
Be firm with your action but remember, your child doesn’t know any other way to express himself at the moment. Here are some tired and tested parent-approved ways to deal with your baby’s public tantrums.
1. Ignore and walk away.
It’s going to be the hardest thing you’ll do but sometimes ignoring is the best policy. Don’t make eye contact or try to soothe them. If they see their tantrum isn't having an effect on you, they’ll most likely stop.
2. Distract them with something of interest.
Kids, at this age, have an attention span of a bee. It’s fleeting and can easily be diverted. Hone your parenting skills to predict an upcoming tantrum storm. The minute you feel things are about to get loud, distract them with a short walk to the park, their favourite toy or a surprise candy treat.
3. Make them laugh.
Humour is the best medicine and kids are SO easy to please. No need to buy them expensive stuff or take them out to fancy dinners. Make some funny faces, tell them a joke or tickle them. Sometimes, a tantrum is just a cry for attention.
4. Don’t let your frustration take over.
If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a public tantrum ( which, being a parent, you most probably will), the best strategy is to carry them calmly to a safe place and soothe them with a calm voice. Don’t try to reason with them using logic, don’t bribe them and NEVER show your anger.
