We've all experienced it either in person or by watching it play out at the store your child or someone else's child throws a temper tantrum so if it's your child what do you do? When you are out in public and your child has an out burst you feel as though the entire town is watching you through a microscope.
Perhaps you are so embarrassed you give in to get your child to be quiet, so they don't bother the other folks.
If that is the case they may be angels at home but as soon as you get in public they are going to get their way because they have been trained to do so.
There are two things you need to do when this happens one is to stay calm and the second is you need to make a decision is it something you can/want to get for them or not? If you have no intention whatsoever of getting them want they want divert their attention.
Start telling the child a story, ask them a question, start singing your favorite song and get their attention away from whatever is causing the problem.
Some days this works and other days you have to bite the bullet but instead if turning it into a power struggle let's try something else.
First let them know you will not tolerate whining if they want something they must ask for it in a regular voice.
That doesn't mean you are going to give it to them.
If they are screaming I want, I want, I want, if they asked in a regular voice would you get it for them? If they want something you cannot afford like a toy, tell them that you can add it to their birthday or Christmas list and if you give your children an allowance they can save money and get it later.
If it's a candy bar or snack (tip always have a snack in your purse) tell your child they must ask for it in a regular voice (that is if you intend to give it to them) plus they must wait until you are out of the store to eat it.
Or if it's too soon before their next meal they will have to wait until after they eat.
If they don't agree to the terms then don't get the snack.
Leave it in the cart if you give it to them while in the store they may want something else on the next isle and the whole cycle starts again.
This way you are giving them a choice and a consequence the first is asking like a big boy or girl, the second is they can have what they want but they can't have it right now.
If they can't have what ever it is they are asking for tell them no, it won't hurt them.
If they ask you but why, but why, but why can't they have it? Don't say "because I said so" most kids will not say OK mom or dad you know best.
Instead turn the tables and ask them a question "why do you think I'm saying no?" See if they can come up with an answer, now they have to stop whining because they are thinking, give them a hint if they need one.
Perhaps they will come up with they can't have it because they are throwing a temper tantrum.
Most of the time diversions work but sadly sometimes you just have to let them cry once they realize that you aren't giving in they stop and you can try talking to them again.
If you are embarrassed just smile at the folks and say nice weather we are having today.
Outbursts happen and the sooner you deal with it the better, stick to your guns you can do it.