Three Ways to Prevent a Tantrum When You"re Shopping With Your Child

It's an all too familiar parenting situation: You're at the shopping mall or grocery store, your child sees something he or she wants, and asks you to buy it for them.
If you say no, it may lead to behavior problems such as screaming, crying, whining, shouting, or even a full-blown kicking-and-screaming tantrum on the floor of the store.
As the parent, you feel embarrassed, self-conscious and maybe angry at your child.
You're sure that everyone else in the store is thinking about what a bad parent you are.
To your child, this behavior is simply a tactic.
Either it has worked before, or for whatever reason they are convinced that if they create a scene they'll get what they want.
This 3-step strategy that is taught by the Love and Logic® parenting program may shock you at first, but when you try it you will see how well it works! Step One: When your kid says, "Hey Mom, look at this super duper storm trooper extravaganza...
," stop what you're doing and take the time to respond with empathy, "Wow, that is really cool, look at that laser light!" Then just keep trucking.
Most of the time, all your child wants is to be noticed and to be heard, and to have someone share his excitement.
Step Two: If the child proceeds, "But I want it!" respond with the question, "Well, how are you going to pay for it? Do you want to use your piggy bank money? Put it on your birthday list or Christmas list? Ask Grandma for it?" And then again, keep on trucking and do not stop.
Your child is now thinking and planning.
Have fun with his response and help him work out his plan.
Step Three: If the child still responds, "But I want it now!" repeat your question, "How are you going to pay for it?" as you keep on trucking and do not stop.
As you approach the checkout counter with your child and the desired item in tow, say to the cashier, "These are my things, I'm going to pay you for them.
This is my child and he wants to buy this toy.
I'll let you and him work it out.
" Yes, your child will be shocked, embarrassed and have disbelief.
Yes, he may run to the car screaming, "I hate you!" But do you think you'll ever have to do that again? Or will your child have learned that the limits you set are firm? Applying this kind of discipline, especially in public, can be uncomfortable at first, but it's okay for your child to have short-term discomfort to create long-term happiness.