How to handle frustrated toddler in public

Yes, it happen again and again despite telling them in a calming voice that they are not suppose to climb the racks, to play with the pasta sauce jar and take whatever they think is theirs. They ignore, continue with their exploration happily. Then you say 'No' in a firm voice. Next second, they decided to grab the public attention by lying on the floor and whine. They try to test your limit.

I did a lot of reading on this, admit and know that it is perfectly normal for a toddler to behave like this, that I have to stay calm, to use a firm voice etc etc. None work for me personally. I feel that she is over-powering me time after time. So I decided to use my very own way.

1) REASON : I will of course try to reason with her, tell her in a firm voice, that racks are for groceries, that we do not need pasta sauce right now, and that the barbie does not belong to her.

2) TELL CONSEQUENCE: She ignores me, continue with where she is. I will tell her firmly 'No, if you continue your act, I presume that you do not like grocery shopping, and we will go home together.

3) WALK YOUR TALK: Then she enters into the whining stage. I will hug her and carry her (while she is crying) to the car, put her down while she is struggling, and remind her that we will go home together and will go grocery shopping the next time. This is the most difficult step. Just remember you need not feel embarrassed being watched by public because you are one of the parents who just reaches the junction of public parenting where all other parents will reach or has reached at the different point of time and at different place. Keep reminding yourself that you did this for the sake of raising your child.


I did this for 2 times before she understand I mean what I say and that she will not get what she wants if she acts poorly. Not long after that it happens again, I use the same method and by the 4th time, she learns that she is not going anywhere if she does not listen. Now, she loves grocery shopping as much as I do and the stress is gone. At times, I will still have to remind her not to touch some items, but not a struggle anymore.

I strongly believe that we parents know our child best, and that no one method works for all children. I decided to share this so that my girl knows how naughty is she when she was young, alright just joking. I am trying to share one of the thousand methods which may work with your child. If you think this may work, then by all means try it. But if you feel this will not work, just move on and find another way.