Frustration is also a big tantrum-producer. If you know your child is going to
insist on visiting the pet store when you go to the mall, make sure you have
time to do it or think twice about the trip. Thinking through his probable
reactions, the consequences, and the alternatives isn't really "giving in" to him,
it's being a wise parent.
Because he's out of control, a tantrum can be scary for a child. Once it subsides,
give your toddler hugs and reassurance. It's fine to acknowledge his feelings.
You might try to make leaving less painful by offering to read a favorite story
when you get home.
“Oh, my poor baby! Did you hurt your throat screaming in the middle of the store when I wouldn’t buy you a puppy?! Poor baby. Here, let Mommy hold you and read you a story. Mommy should have changed her entire day to accommodate her little angel’s every little urge. This is all Mommy’s fault. My baby doesn’t need to learn that he can’t do everything he wants; it’s Mommy’s job to only do things that will make her little pumpkin happy, regardless of Mommy’s need to get the grocery shopping done.”
Maybe I’ll just be a horrible mother, but I think this is ridiculous.
