Tantrums in the grocery store

[EmilytheStrange]

just want to say that while the suggestions above are great and I hope you can try them - you're doing a great job. You're being consistent, you're not giving in.... etc.

don't let daddy let him out of the cart because now he knows it's an option.

I don't judge the moms in stores with screaming kids. I feel bad for them, I say a silent prayer for them.. but I understand. People understand.

I personally wouldn't bribe, but that's just me. When she was younger, I'd let her have a squeezy fruit or something, but now that she's 26months, I don't bribe. I do give lots of positive reinforcement when she's being good, I let her hold things, she clicks my pin, etc.

I like the sheets of food that they can cross off for you. If you get photos and laminate the 'list', then they can really feel helpful. Like a bunch of fruit on a page, etc. Doesn't even really need to be things you're about to buy - just needs to be things they can 'find', like an 'i spy' game.

[escapethevillage]

I give ONE chance to walk and help. He's old enough to help.

After the one chance, I don't even give a warning. (the warning is before the one chance) and I put their little self in the cart.

It take no more than three times before they catch on that they only got that one chance, and Mommy isn't making empty threats. Usually it's less than three...but, some kids will hold out for the off chance that you will cave in first.


I also bribe with treats. I was the person who would steal a box of animal crackers and feed them to the child, then pay for them with my groceries.

[Mom2Connor]

There is no way my DS could control himself on a grocery trip walking. I don't even give him the OPTION and won't until newbie needs the cart seat.

[LittleThingsMama638]

This sounds weird, but I wait until later at night and go. We go as a family so DH helps, but if you go around 830-9 on a Sunday night the stores are just about empty. Ours are 4.5 and 21mo. We let the kids down, they can run around and yell at they aren't bothering anyone. I will let them put things in the cart, switching off which one puts stuff in. It keeps them from grabbing things if they can help. And when they don't have anything to put in, DD helps push the cart with the baby in it, and DS pushes the smaller cart with groceries.

If we go earlier in the day, I put DD in the cart and I hand her things to let her put in the cart. And we sing and dance. I just try to hurry and get out as quickly as possible.

[Erinne]

Any chance there's a grocery store with childcare close to you?

[firststella]

Originally Posted by Erinne Any chance there's a grocery store with childcare close to you?

Does this exist? (my question is 100% serious!) it does not in Europe, and it might be a pretty good idea!

[keen1981]

Prep before hand. And always bring a snack.

[KaleidoscopeEyes]

i let dd1 walk at the store

[Brandy1010]

Originally Posted by keen1981 Prep before hand. And always bring a snack.

This! Distractions! Snack, small magnadoodle (sp?), iphone app? We dont do this, but I know some do..

If ds wants to walk, I let him, but if he lets go of the buggy, he goes in! He usually doesnt care though. But, he is 3, so Im sure it is just a matter of understanding why he has to be in the buggy.

[Done at 3]

My kids usually can get easily wrapped up in a game of eye spy. I start with simple things, like colors or shapes when they are really small. It has halted many whinefests!