Tantrums in public are embarrassing. Here are my GIT Tips to help you Get it Together so you won’t have to endure the embarrassment of your kids screaming on the floor and every stranger thinking you're the worst parent in the world ever again!
GIT Tip #1
Proactively set up the scene
Kids are like us and they want to know what to expect. Unlike us, they need to be told every single time – even if they were at the same place last week. I know you’ll feel like you're living groundhog day every day, but not telling kids what’s going on is a sure-fire trigger for tantrums.
GIT Tip #2
Ease out the door with “5-2-1”
If you know me, you know that this is my favorite tool to get every child to do what you want them to do. Five minutes before you need your kid to stop doing what they’re doing say, “In five minutes we are leaving." Give it a moment and then say, “In two minutes we are leaving.” Then say it again in one minute.
This really works because your child is overly warned his activity is going to end in a specific amount of time and will feel respected because you’re giving him time to finish up, versus yanking him from his fun.
GIT Tip #3
Be prepared for problems
I always have an emergency stash of stuff, such as food and entertainment. Kids often have a meltdown when they’re tired, hungry or bored, so this emergency pack is crucial for preventing problems.
GIT Tip #4
The art of distraction
Dig deep and use as much ebullience as possible to say, “Hey Johnny, look over there!” Of course, insert your own child’s name but you know where I’m going with this. Even if there is absolutely nothing going on over there your smile and happy tone will flip a switch in your kid's brain to stop and distract from whatever he’s so mad about and focus on what is over there and chill out.
GIT Tip #5
Get them involved
If you’re running errands turn it into a game. Maybe they get to cross items off the grocery list or get to find things on the shelves. You can ask them, “Can you see the peanut butter we use at home?” Getting them involved can help keep their mighty minds distracted and stop tantrums.
GIT Tip #6
Keep calm to keep it together
When you notice your child starting to get worked up, don’t feed into their hysteria. Keep your voice calm and quiet. You can even whisper to completely shake up the mood.
GIT Tip #7
How to survive a tantrum
I know I said prevention is key. But, you should know what to do if the train has left the station and a nuclear meltdown is occurring!
First of all, don’t worry about what people think. If you look calm and like you’ve got it under control strangers will think you know what you’re doing.
Never give in. If you do, your kid will have another tantrum in the future because they won this round. If a child gets their way by screaming once, then they’ll do it again. They may just scream louder and longer next time.
Get out. Evacuate immediately. Leave your grocery cart full of food mid aisle and run! If you’re at a restaurant, pick up your kid by the torso and as you’re racing to the car ask your server for dinner to go.
Don't worry, mama. You've got this.
Love, Eirene
P.S. ICYMI I was recently on The Zen(ish) Mommy Podcast talking about how to survive summer. Add this to your playlist now and get prepared!
Do you know someone who could use these #GITMom tips? Please share!
