Author: Kerry Timmons Children who are throwing tantrums in public look unruly and undisciplined. Worst part of it is that parents of these kids feel embarrassed and helpless because of this behavior. No parent would want his/her child to throw a temper tantrum at home and in public, but this happens even if you know that you are doing everything to teach good manners to your child.
There are positive things that you can do to handle your child's tantrums. And as much as you can, try not to show or say negative things to your child to instil discipline because he/she won't respond positively. It may aggravate the situation even further if you show your own fit.
Here are some proactive and positive ways to handle your child's tantrums in public:
(1) Keep your cool and let your child just throw his tantrum. Some parents may think that this won't work to young kids especially those that are in the 1-5 year old bracket. Think of it this way, your child is trying to get your attention maybe because he/she wants something that you couldn't give him/her. The tantrum is his/her way of telling you that he/she is the boss and will do anything to get your 100% attention. By throwing a fit in public, your tendencies are to get mad, embarrassed and eventually give him/her what he/she wants.
By waiting for your child to calm down on his/her own, he/she may be able to realize that it's not the best way to get your attention after all. Just make sure that your child is near you and in no harm's way. And if your child is beginning to calm down, approach him/her and ask if he/she is done.
(2) If your child throws another fit, just let him/her be and wait again. This can really go on forever, but you should not surrender to your child's tantrum because he/she will think that you've lost and you will give in to whatever he/she wants because you want him/her to keep quiet.
(3) If your child throws a tantrum in a store or a restaurant because he/she wants something and could not have it, tell your child that it's time to go home. Unless he/she will stop, then it's okay to come back or stay.
Experiment on your next planned trip to the store or restaurant by telling your child while still at home that you can only buy him/her one item and nothing more. And by negotiating with your child that if he/she throws a tantrum again, you won't give him/her the item and/or no more trips to the stores anymore. By telling your child that there are consequences to his/her tantrums, chances are he/she might realize that you're indeed the boss.
(4) Use the rewards system. Just like the third method, a reward system may encourage your child to stop throwing a fit especially when there's a reward for good behavior.
(5) If your child has violent tendencies, make sure that he/she is in a safe area where you can hold him/her to prevent him/her from hurting other children, himself or you. Make sure that you are able to hold your child's hands and/or feet. It is also better if you sit on the floor when you do this. Calm your child while holding him by singing a soft song or talking to him/her about calming down and not throwing tantrums. Offer him/her rewards for good behavior and also tell him/her about the consequences of tantrums. By giving your child options, you are teaching him/her that there are better ways to ask, be heard and get attention without the need for a tantrum fit.
As a parent, you need to be in control of the situation and not the other way around. A child throwing tantrums in public is a way for him/her to take control of the situation, be the boss or simply get the attention. Whatever you do, stay calm and don't be negative about your child throwing a fit in public. This is normal for some children and you'll be able to handle this properly if you keep your cool and control of the situation.
About the Author:Kerry Timmons is an experienced and expert home decor planner who specializes in kids bedding and kids room decor buying. Her advice can help you to buy kids bedding cheaply but with unique style. Kerry also gives great advice on boys bedding . Drop by Kids Toddler Boutique and see what Kerry recommends.
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