Tantrum at the Grocery Store... Help!

Updated on July 11, 2008
C.S. asks from Charlotte, NC
5 answers

My daughter has reached the age of 2 and while 90% of the time she is very easy going and compliant... she, like all 2 year olds has her moments of tantrums, etc. This afternoon while we were at the grocery store she was wonderful, until we got to the checkout line. She then started screaming and whining and twisting out of the grocery cart that she was in. So, I took her out. That was a mistake. She immediately went into limp noodle mode and I could hardly pick her up. I put her down and she bolted. I had to leave the line (while the checkout lady was scanning my groceries) and run after her. She threw herself on the floor and started screaming. When I picked her up she started hitting me. This is incredibly uncommon behavior for her. I was absolutely shocked. I consider myself pretty firm. I set boundaries and am not afraid to discipline, in love of course. But I had no idea what to do in this situation today... but just get through it and get out of there. It was awful. I am looking for advice on how best to handle these tantrums. I feel that she acts up the most when she knows that I am unable to really do anything about it. Any suggestions are appreciated.

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V.A.

answers from Charlotte on

I'm sure whatever u did was the right thing to do. I would have grabbed both of her arms and sat her down in the floor and told her to look at me right in the eyes. And tell her we do NOT hit mommy and do NOT run away from mommy. Now if she can't behave she can sit right there for time-out. And she her does she need a time out? If the answer is yes (which mine sometimes says, throws me off) I’d bring her up to the register and sit her hinny down for time out. If no, I’d say "well be a big girl and let's go get out groceries" then finish the talk in the car to explain why it's a no no to run away and hit. But whatever u did was good I’m sure. Good job!

Kids are unpredictable. That's what make's kid’s fun, right? (lol)

V. (SAHM of Two)
www.CraftLister.com/ValerieAltman
(Unique Candle Creator)

1 mom found this helpful
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K.W.

answers from Charlotte on

I totally understand where you are coming from! I am a single mom of a 15 month old. She is absolutly perfect but in the past month or so when we go to a restaurant is when she decides to have her break downs. So if you come across something that works... please let me know.

I also live in S. Charlotte and would love to get some information on your Baby Boot Camp!

Good Luck!

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A.S.

answers from Charlotte on

It sounds like you did do the right thing! In that situation - it's just do the best you can. My son sounds similar in temperment and discipline. He is usually very good, but every now and then. . . Right when he was 2, there was a while that he would do something similar to your child right at the check out, I guess because he was ready to go! He will be 3 on Sunday & we don't have these problems much, but I guess every now and then we all have a tantrum!!

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T.M.

answers from Charlotte on

First, what set her off? The reason I ask, is we have to choose our battles wisely. Just a statement, nothing against how you are doing things.

I would make sure that the rules are clear, before you enter anywhere you are going. A little chat in the car, I would think could take care of this. Sometimes our expectations, are just that, too high. We get wrapped up in what we have to get done, rushing around. Sometimes we just don't listen. We hear but don't listen.
But setting the guidelines, and letting little ones know that this behavior isn't acceptable, and that there will be consequences often does it.

I never did any different in public, that at home with my children. It sounds as though you are handling things, and sometimes they just don't want to be where they are. But how they express it, is not acceptable. I always explained to my kids about he choices they can make. ETc etc.

I would find a bench, and offer her time out, until her two minutes are up. I think other shoppers would rather see a mother discipline their child in that sort of way, taking the time out to do something, rather than watch a melt down. And of course it is frustrating to us as parents, but if we accept it more and more in public, they know exactly which button to push. LOL. And they push them, just at the worst times.
Good luck, she sounds like a good girl.

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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

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