Public Meltdowns: How Not to Panic in the
Streets
Public tantrums are especially tough because, well, they’re so public.
They make us feel like we’re under a magnifying glass and everyone is
staring at our flaws. What’s more, many toddlers turn up the shrieking if
we seem embarrassed or unsure how to respond.
Avoiding aisle-three meltdowns is a lot easier if you plan ahead. Keep
your trips short, organized, and timed to when your child will not be
tired or hungry. (Meandering aimlessly through a mall is sensory
overload for a little Stone Age brain.) Also, make waits easier by
bringing along little snacks or treats (like stickers, drawing materials, or
“tagalong” toys that your child gets only when you are out on errands).
If, however, these best of intentions don’t work out as planned, you can
stop tantrums fast … the Happiest Toddler way. Here’s a great example of
how one mother used connecting with respect to short-circuit her child’s
tantrum.
Sandy brought Corey, 22 months, to the toy store while
his sister, Chrissy, shopped for a present. It was their third
stop that morning. Sandy sat Corey before a display of toy
trains, keeping a close watch while she helped Chrissy.
trains, keeping a close watch while she helped Chrissy.
When it was time to go, Corey refused. Sandy made a
weak stab at using the FFR. “I know you don’t want to go,
sugar, but we’re late and I don’t have time for this right
now.”
Then Sandy went to pick Corey up and he erupted in
tears. The clerk frowned, Chrissy moaned, and Sandy
checked her watch. Corey should have had lunch and a
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