Children and their terrible tantrums.

The very popular subject of handling tantrums was brought up on a forum, today, that I frequent.  I always love seeing the different opinions of parents and the different ways that people may handle the same situation.  The subject carried deeper, into the idea of how it would be handled if you were in public, versus the privacy of your own home.

My tactic is usually the same, whether we're in public, or at our house.  In my opinion, if your child isn't disciplined at home, they will not act disciplined in public.  I also believe that consistency is the Golden Rule to parenting.  No one can defend the argument, that a disobedient child in public, is no fun.  Especially - when it's your child.

There were many arguments placed in our friendly debate.  For Ex:

Giving the child something to distract them. (A sucker, snack, toy, etc.)
Stopping what you're doing, dropping what you're goal is and leaving, and then explaining to your child how their behavior was inappropriate and unappreciated.
Giving them a swat on the behind and reminding them that they are not in control.
and a few others..

I take claim to that last one, while also adding that I am usually prepared with a snack, juice, or small toy, for my toddler son, who sometimes gets bored with shopping.  I will also state that if my son is acting a fool, I will never try to quiet him with a bribe.  In my opinion, that only shows him that if he acts like a nut, I'll reward him with a snack or a toy.

I am a huge fan of a pop on the behind or the thigh and a time out.  That's usually my plan of action, if I've already asked for the situation to be resolved, and I'm being battled.  I don't think that a child should ever be under the impression that they may win an argument with a parent.  I don't really think that a child should ever even imagine that it's appropriate for them to enter an argument with a parent.

I don't know why my opinion is so different from so many others.  I guess it's all about where we are raised and how our parents parented.  I just always want my children to understand that I am the boss, period.  I shouldn't have to re-iterate that throughout their childhood and I think that consistency and firmness holds that point, solidly.

:) Krysta