I can honestly say that none of my children have ever thrown themselves down onto the ground and have thrown a tantrum while shopping in the store. Of course, there have been tears while shopping but it is never about not getting something that they had their eyes on. When they cry it is usually because they are hitting each other, or they skipped a nap. I currently have a 6,5,3-year-old and then a one-year-old. My three oldest have not had a tantrum, I guess time to tell with my youngest. Watch, now that I have said my kids have never thrown a tantrum she is going to be the one that throws a tantrum every time. Although I feel like it is just a personality thing with my children I also think it is something that we have avoided using some tactics. I would love to share them with you!

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  • Start Young: You might see anything wrong in getting your baby something every time they go to the store. You might think it is cute to have your baby, or very young toddler, to pick out something while shopping in the supermarket. It may seem harmless, but it can actually be very detrimental to their development. Babies and toddlers are learning at a faster rate than any other age group. They are depending on you, the parent, to teach them how the world works. They need to know what is normal and what is not acceptable. If you buy them something fun every time that they go to the store then they start learning that is just how the world works. They instantly become attached to that routine. And then, anytime routine is altered with toddlers then they really struggle.
  • "This is a special occasion:" My husband and I absolutely buy my children fun stuff at the store when we go. Sometimes we go in and see a really cool toy or a book that we are missing in our collection. My husband didn't get a lot of stuff growing up and so when he sees stuff he wanted as a kid he sometimes buys it, but it certainly doesn't happen every time. When it does happen, we always tell them exactly why it why we are buying it and we never buy something after they ask. Make sure your toddlers know that if you are buying something that is rare and shouldn't be expected.
  • Don't get them what they ask for: If my toddlers or young children ask for something in the store then that automatically means they are not going to get it. We only purchase something for them if they are not expecting it and if they are acting nicely without being mean to each other.
  • Stay Firm: Tantrums usually happen in the store if the children are used to having something every single time that they are at the store and then you all of a sudden take that away from them. They will be confused about why they can't get something now. If you have decided that you are tired of buying them every time you go to the store then you need to make sure you don't cave. They might make quite a scene and it might be embarrassing, and you might think you are getting judged, hold strong!
  • Prepare Them: Before you go into the store tell your toddlers exactly what you are going to be getting while inside. Tell them that you are going to be getting some groceries and some cleaning supplies. Their minds will be on those objects. If they bring up toys let them know that you will not be getting toys while you are in the store.
  • Avoid the Toy Aisle: If your child is throwing fits every time you walk by or in the toy aisle then you just need to avoid the toy aisle. It is that simple. They can only go down the toy aisle when they learn that they can't throw a tantrum every time they go down.
  • Snap Pictures: One of the best things that we have done is to tell our kids that we can put that on "their list." If Christmas is coming up next you can tell your child that they can put it on their Christmas list. If their birthday is coming up next you can tell them that they can put it on their birthday list. One mother even suggests taking picture of your toddler in front of the toy that they want then they will move on.

Being a parent is so hard and there really is no right and there is no "one size fits all." It is very difficult to really figure out what works for you and your children. Each child has different unique characteristics and so my tactics might not work with you and that is okay. I am not a perfect parent and this is not an article to judge other parents. We are all working together to raise children who grow up to be functioning adults.

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Sources: Very Well Family, The Orange County Register, Some White Space,