GROCERY STORE SURVIVAL SKILLS
Shopping with a curious toddler or squirmy preschooler can actually be fun. But, as you well know, it can also become a nightmare. PREVENTION is the key, and we will talk about that later. But for now, let’s assume the meltdown is already in full swing, and you need tools NOW!
In the heat of a volcanic eruption, your goal is Damage Control. Once an outburst begins, it is usually too late to completely restore law and order, as your child has reached her breaking point and is communicating this quite clearly. My suggestion for surviving this traumatic moment is to: 1) STAY CALM, 2) SHOW EMPATHY, and 3) FINISH YOUR SHOPPING (though quicken your pace). First, if you do not lose your cool, drive-by shoppers will be less interested in watching you. Second, admit to your child that this is boring, and praise her for her patience so far. Try to soothe her in a productive way. Is there a healthy snack you can give her to curb her hungries? “I bet you are hungry. It’s past snack time. Would you like some Cheerios or some GoldFish crackers right now?” (CAUTION: Do NOT fall into the trap of offering a bribe. Promising to buy a candy bar or toy if your child quiets down will open Pandora’s Box of Manipulative Battles for shopping trips to come!!!) However, another safe response is to distract your little trooper by talking about the fun you will have together when you get home.
Lastly, if these tactics do not work and the howling continues, simply finish your shopping as quickly as possible and be prepared for a possibly loud ride home. Chances are, you overdid the morning and that ought to motivate ya to prepare differently next time. (See tips for Meltown Prevention). The good news is, thunderous meltdowns are often followed by a priceless, peaceful nap!
Reader Comments
You did it again Davi! You gave clear, concise help for those ultimate meltdowns. Can’t wait to read your tips on prevention. I pass on your blog address to many young Moms. Keep it up!
Davi,
Now that my children are all teenagers (and older) I can read these things with a different perspective. They DO survive those years and so do their parents.
It helps to be pro-active so you don’t put yourself in a situation where they are bored and have nothing to do but aggravate each other.
Some of the things that we did to avoid problems in the back seat were:
1) Each child has a small backpack/bag with books and small toys to play with. It goes in the car when they do. (Rotate the books & toys occasionally to keep their interest.)
2) On long trips, each one had a small plastic bin with paper & pencil, books, coloring pages, etc. and it fit under their seat.
3) Tapes or CDs – books on tape, “Adventures in Odyssey” sets, or music (when they were memorizing Bible verses for AWANA, we’d often use those tapes).
4) When both mom & dad were in the car, I would read a book to the family. We always have a book we’re reading together (currently we are re-reading “The Trapp Family Singers”).