When your toddler has a temper tantrum in public it can be embarrassing, stressful and frustrating.
If you want outings with your little one to be pleasant and enjoyable, then you need to learn these effective techniques to stop emotional outbursts when away from home.
How to Stop Toddler Temper Tantrums in Public
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Toddler temper tantrums can be the bane of every parent’s existence.
It’s one thing to deal with your toddler’s tantrums at home but it can be a completely different animal when you’re in public surrounded by strangers.
However, there are several ways that you can deal with these tantrums when in public and this is how:
1. Set Expectations Before Leaving Home
Before you leave home, have a talk with your toddler. Go over your expectations during your outing. For example, you could start by explaining to your toddler that you are going to the grocery store for food only and not toys or candy. Have you toddler repeat this so that you can ensure that your point was made.
2. Bring a Toy
Toddler temper tantrums are likely to occur in public places, such as parks, especially if your little one sees another child with a toy that he or she may want to play with. Bringing a toy from home can be offered as a quick solution to a calming your toddler down while in public.
Related: 11 Amazing DIY Sensory Bottle Ideas for Calming Down Toddlers
3. Be prepared with snacks
If you know that this outing will likely extend past an hour, then bring snacks for your toddler to munch on. A temper tantrum can suddenly strike because your toddler may not be able to communicate that they are hungry and will cry or scream when hunger pangs set in.
4. Concentrate on your child.
When your toddler has a tantrum in public, one thing that can exacerbate the situation are the stares or unsolicited advice from strangers. Stand your ground and ignore others, especially comments, as you focus on handling your toddler your own way. Proceed to take your child to a private and quiet area as you help them get their emotions under control.
5. Be consistent.
Consistency is the key to preventing public toddler temper tantrums. When your toddler behaves in an undesirable way, the consequence should be the same whether it is time spent in time out or a favorite toy taken away temporarily. The longer that you stick to your guns, especially at home, the least likely these tantrums will occur when out and about.
Keep in mind that toddler temper tantrums are a completely normal stage of emotional development and how you handle them can set the pace for future interactions with your child as they grow.
The toddler stages can be one of the most difficult for parents to endure. Toddler Discipline: The Essential Guide for Parents is a book that’s worth having in your arsenal for those difficult parenting moments. Check it out to learn effective real-world techniques for dealing with common behavior issues in toddlers and eliminate tantrums in and outside the home.