Anyone with small children can probably understand the stab of fear you feel in the pit of the stomach when you realise you simply have to go to the shop/grocery store etc and you just know that your little one is really not up for it today – that a meltdown is inevitable.
Some children just don’t like shopping, some are tired, some are bored, and some want everything and don’t like the word no. Whatever the reason when your child has a full on, lie on the floor screaming/yelling episode in public, it can be very stressful for both parents and the child.
Sometimes the hardest part of it is learning to ignore the looks of disapproval or sympathy and sometimes even “friendly, helpful advice” (“maybe he need’s his nappy changed?”) from onlookers that we get as parents.
A couple of us here at Northgate have recently been to some “Positive Parenting” seminars, based on dealing with such episodes and general behavioural issues aimed at both parents and carers. I have attached a link to Positive Parenting Approaches on the Zero to Three Website for anyone who cares to take a look.
It has tips on dealing with not only the dreaded shop, but how to deal with toddlers irrational behaviour (“I want the red bowl”), time outs – helpful or harmful and how to deal with your own emotions.
Parenting is a tough gig – but the rewards are endless! Happy Parenting!
https:///www.zerotothree.org/parenting/positive-parenting-approaches
