How do you handle temper tantrums in public?

Question

Today I think I had the most embarrassing moment (well, 30 moments, actually) of my life. I had to take my 16 month old to do the doctor. The appointment was at 5pm, and she was exhausted (only slept one hour at daycare all day) and probably hungry, despite eating fishy crackers in the car. Well, here we are sitting in the small but FULL doctors office waiting to be seen, and she's acting like a spoilt brat. She was running all over the place, saying "No no" to me constantly, squealing which drives me completely crazy, and throwing herself on the floor. I was so mortified! I tried so hard not to overreact, I certainly was not angry with her, but I wasn't sure how to handle it when you know everyone is watching you and judging what a horrible parent you are for not disciplining her. Do you discipline a baby for that? I don't think so. I tried to distract her, didn't work for more than a mintue or two. Tried to read her a story, didn't work. When she threw herself on the floor,

Answer 1

My daughter is only 10 months, so we haven't gotten there yet. But my when my sister-in-law's daughter was that age and she behaved that way at a store, my SIL would just ignore her. Even if she tried to discipline her, it'd make it worse. But once my niece realized she wasn't going to get a reaction she stopped. But at a doctor's office when there's obviously a lot of people in one small room, she would just take her out in the hall or outside til she calmed down and then go back in. Sorry if I couldn't be more help!

Answer 2

Oh my gosh! that always happens to me in the grocery store. My son is 2 and cant understand why we cant open and eat everything in the basket RIGHT NOW! I dont know what to do when he starts SCREAMING! It's not like you can put them in time out. I just tell him to be patient and I will buy him a sucker...which is also horrible (bribing him to get him to stop). IDK what to do either...maybe another smart mommy can help us both!

Answer 3

take the baby in the bathroom and give her a spanking.

Answer 4

everyone will always watch you and judge what a kind of parent you are!

I work with children everyday...and it is exhausting...what i do to control my students is bribing them...make a behavior chart at home with your child show her every good deed gets a sticker or stamp. when she acts up in public tell her "OK, your not going to get a sticker today."

sometimes kids don't care about the reward charts...

if she start to become embarrassing or out of hand then you need to hold her and face her to every one and tell her "Everyone is watching you" sometimes it works they get a guilt trip and they look at everyone and they settle down...Sometimes parents will go along with you and stare at her and smile...MOST times parents are apologetic towards you because they went through the same thing.

If that doesn't work...guilt her and tell her how you feel...say "I'm sad, your behavior is making me sad." at that age children usually care how mommy is feeling.

If that doesn't work GOOD LUCK!

Answer 5

Whenever my nephew has a public temper tantrum, my sister or brother in law takes him out to the car and lets him scream until he is done.  That usually works out well.

Answer 6

I picked my daughter up and walked out.  When she calmed down I explained that her behavior was inappropriate and that I expected her to sit nicely and read a story or play with a toy.  If she acted up again... we were gone.

Answer 7

i feel so bad for you!! i have a 21 month old and i can tell you from experience, it doesnt get better the closer they get to the two yr mark. im terrified to go out with her bcuz of the possible fit she might have if something doesnt go her way! shes been a sweet child since birth, i want that angel back! im also unsure what to do or how to respond to the wailing and throwing tantrums in public! please let me know if you get a great answer!

Answer 8

Kids can be so funny. Depending on how many songs you know, you can start singing and try to get her to join in, or start laughing and tickling them. Distract them from the bad mood and try to put them in a good mood. My little guy loves to sing the alphabet and we recently started learning to sign as well-sometimes no matter what you do, they just won't settle down. That is when you have to remember to breath, keep calm and just smile.

Answer 9

You were in the perfect place for a tantrum; a place where there are only parents of young children who (at one time or another) had the same experience!  You should have told the rest of the crowd to please excuse her behavior and that other than making sure she isn't hurt or hurting someone else that you intend to ignore her.  I would have struck up a conversation with another mom about how she handled tantrums with her children and let your baby rip until she either got tired or noticed you were not reacting.  

When my son pitched his first fit, luckily we were at home, I threw myself down on the floor with him and told him he needed to do what I do in order to have the best fit.  He pretty much thought I had lost my mind and got up...quickly & quietly.  LOL  

Do NOT be so hard on yourself...we've all been there.  One day you will laugh about this "embarrassing moment" too.  

Good luck until then!  :D