Handling Children Tantrums

I am beginning to get frustrated with the tantrums my son displays whenever we go to malls. He always has a reason to disagree with us and he falls on the floor and cries for so long people begin to stare.

How do you handle this sort of embarrassing public display of emotions?

I have not had problems out in public with my daughter who usually throws tantrums. However when she throws them, I try to remain calm and I ignore her. The one thing about tantrums is that the child is usually wanting attention and this is how they get it. By not giving in to their tantrums then they are not getting the attention they want so they will most likely calm down. Once they calm down then it is easier to reason with them. Of course, what works for one child will not necessarily work for another. Try different tactics to find what works for you and your son.

I'm struggling with this right now too. Honestly it's driving me nuts and it's seriously pushing every button I have. I'm reluctant to take my daughter out some days because she just gets mad with everything we do! Mad if we're doing errands, mad if we've been at the park an hour and it's time for me to take her home, mad if it's nap time...I probably sound frustrated (because I am!) but it's a stage that really makes me wonder how parents retain their sanity at all!

My kid does that all the time (especially when he's tired). I win his attention with some soletti sticks (he loves those), or if we're eating out and nothing else helps, I allow him to watch movies on my smart phone (this always works!). It might not be the best way to handle things, but sometimes... one has to do what one has to do. I guess it really depends on the age of the child, because different things interest him/her at different times. However, I noticed that if I get angry with him, things become even worse and after that nothing helps. That's why I keep repeating to myself to stay calm and breathe, and try not to pay too much attention to his tantrums. I really hope he will outgrow them at some point...:/

How old is your son now?

My elder son didn't do that much and it's easier to distract him, so it was easier for me. My younger daughter would just sit on the floor or even lay on the floor and cry. If there were not many people walking by, and this didn't disturb others, I'd just stay beside her and let her cry. I usually tried to talk to her or comfort her first, but my girl was not easily pleased unless I gave her what she wanted, so I just let her be. I just told her I'd wait until she finished crying or when she want to talk to me, I kinda of like ignoring her, but I stayed beside her.

If there were many other people walking by or it disturbed others, then I'd carry her to a corner and let her cry there, and of course, I still stayed beside her.

What I usually do is: I understand she is not happy, not feeling comfortable, but I really can't give her what she wants, so I just have to let her cry it out. I still care for her, so I stay beside her, but mostly I keep quiet.

Also, it's always good to watch out if the child is too tired or too hungry. They will tend to feel uncomfortable easily when they are tired or hungry. It'll be a more pleasant journey if we avoid these.