Throwing Tandrums in Public! -

Throwing Tandrums in Public!

Okay if anyone can help me, PLEASE! I have a almost 3 year old and I have a 5 week old, I went out today to the daycare where I work, just to get out of the house and to let my 3 yr old play with other kids, I do a count down before we leave everytime because it helps me get him to leave places. I started the count down because every little thing was making him upset at the drop of a needle he would cry and throw a fit so I told him it was time to go, he was refusing to put on his sandals, he was refusing to listen to me and I looked like the bad parent, during him trowing these fits he was crying and screaming at the top of his lungs and everyone was staring at me and him, talk about being imbarrassed. I need some advice on how to have more patience or how to tolerate a 3 yr old throwing tandrums when he doesn't get his way, and mind you my 5 week old was crying because she was hungry and I was about ready to pull out my hair in the process of this whole thing. PLEASE SOMEONE!!!!!!!!!!!

I need to get him to understand it's not all about him anymore and when I say it is time to leave then it's time to leave regardless if he wants to stay and play!!!! I'm Lost on this one!!!!

Written by Kelly

Posted on 06/28/2010

See all posts by Kelly

Answers:

I may have some advice that helped me overcome tantrums from any age group. Being a Nanny for 6 years and a mother to a new baby I have a little experience. Next time the countdown to leave triggers a fit, and tries your nerves get down to his level, tell him he has a warning (step 1) and you will have a time out if it doesnt stop. (step 2) give it time to sink in (about 15 seconds) and give warning number 2. (step 3) take him by the hand and set him aside (in some pre designated time out usually off to the side will work) tell him why he was given a time-out, and give him a few minutes to figure himself out, then try again to get him to do what you want.

If that still will not work, get the baby ready to leave and start walking away...usually the kid forgets to pitch a fit in order to be not left behind, and it takes only a few times for him to be left in order for the message to sink in. (this also gets you away from the fit to compose yourself, so you won't get too upset at being embarrassed!)

Most important: DO NOT GIVE IN! It only reinforces the tantrum and will seriously cause more fits in public.

Hope it helps next time.

posted by DeAnna on 06/29/2010

Thank you, I will definitely have to give that a try! I will re-post and give you some feedback on how well this works, and again thank you for the advice!!!!

posted by Kelly on 06/29/2010

What I found that works for my child's tantrums is when you get down to their level and look them directly in the eyes... if you use a firm voice and let them know that its not ok (what they are doing) You may shock him if he is not used to you being firm with him. Then you begin to give consequences for acting out. Usually a time out works.

posted by Nchukym on 10/14/2010

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