How to Run Errands Without Toddler Temper Tantrums
Submitted by
alison
Are your kids complaining like surly pirates when you put them in the car for an errand run? Do you endure toddler temper tantrums every time you head to the supermarket or post office? Do you wish the whole world was one big drive-thru?
Every once in a while, a little swag comes in handy to deal with toddler temper tantrums and big kid whining. Stock your glove box with inexpensive but alluring gifts and toys to distract them when the going gets tough: a bouncy ball, a toy car, board books, a little stuffed animal, wacky shades, Bubble Tape. (Of course, make sure you don't hand your toddler anything that could be a choking hazard.)
You can rotate the goodies so that there's always something new (or not played with in a while) to stave off those toddler temper tantrums in line at the bank or while you're stuck in traffic. (Tip: Don't get anything that makes annoying, repetitive noises, or it will feel like the longest trip ever.
Avoid sibling rivalry by having doubles (or triples or quadruples) of popular toys on hand. Keep a few in your diaper bag or purse for on-the-go peacemaking. Of course, snacks are great for thwarting toddler temper tantrums, too. (Not to mention great for soothing Mom's frazzled soul on Errand Day.)
The peace may not last forever, but sometimes you have to take a Captain Jack Sparrow approach with your surly pirates: "Take what you can. Give nothin' back!"
Every once in a while, a little swag comes in handy to deal with toddler temper tantrums and big kid whining. Stock your glove box with inexpensive but alluring gifts and toys to distract them when the going gets tough: a bouncy ball, a toy car, board books, a little stuffed animal, wacky shades, Bubble Tape. (Of course, make sure you don't hand your toddler anything that could be a choking hazard.)
You can rotate the goodies so that there's always something new (or not played with in a while) to stave off those toddler temper tantrums in line at the bank or while you're stuck in traffic. (Tip: Don't get anything that makes annoying, repetitive noises, or it will feel like the longest trip ever.
Avoid sibling rivalry by having doubles (or triples or quadruples) of popular toys on hand. Keep a few in your diaper bag or purse for on-the-go peacemaking. Of course, snacks are great for thwarting toddler temper tantrums, too. (Not to mention great for soothing Mom's frazzled soul on Errand Day.)
The peace may not last forever, but sometimes you have to take a Captain Jack Sparrow approach with your surly pirates: "Take what you can. Give nothin' back!"
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