One morning, my 2-year-old threw an absolutely epic tantrum as we were heading to get donuts. I promised my older kids a treat for their help with cleaning, but little did I know, my toddler had other plans. To avoid punishing the older siblings for their brother’s meltdown, we opted for the drive-thru. As I kept my cool during his screaming fit, he suddenly shouted, “I’ll take two stupids and one ugly!” while kicking my seat. Clearly, those were his go-to phrases, and he was determined to express his frustration.
I tried to sidestep the public scene, but let’s be real—everyone at the restaurant heard him. And why? Because that’s just how things go. Kids are going to pitch fits—sometimes in the comfort of home and sometimes right in the middle of a crowded store.
Here’s the deal: it’s 2021, and we need to stop with the outdated notion that children should be seen and not heard. Instead, let’s approach these situations with a little empathy and consider the following:
- Tantrums Are Normal.
They are a natural part of growing up. Trust me, all three of my kids have had their moments, even my usually well-behaved daughter. She could be calm and quiet, yet every so often, she’d unleash a public meltdown. It didn’t turn her into a little monster; she’d return to her cheerful self once it passed—often even happier than before. - It’s Not About Discipline.
In my pre-parenting days, I foolishly thought tantrums stemmed from poor discipline. I’d watch parents deal with their kids’ meltdowns while I was enjoying margaritas and think, “How can they let that happen?” Well, I’ve learned the hard way that trying to “discipline” a tantruming child in public rarely works—trust me, I’ve had my fair share of interruptions during meals. - All Kids Do It.
Every child will throw a fit at some point. They have needs they can’t articulate yet and are still learning what behavior is acceptable. They might be feeling overwhelmed or simply having a rough day. Honestly, there are times I want to throw a tantrum too, but I just indulge in a glass of wine instead. - No One Enjoys It.
Not the child, the parents, or the unfortunate cashier caught in the crossfire. But, hey, life is messy and sometimes we just have to deal with it. Just like I don’t enjoy going to the gynecologist or cleaning up after my dog, tantrums are part of life’s little hurdles. And let’s be real, that screaming child can make your peaceful dinner at home feel even more rewarding! - Stay Out of It Unless You Can Help.
Don’t try to over-parent someone else’s child. It only confuses them and irritates the parent. Sure, there are those rare parents who let their kids disrupt others’ moments, but generally, parents know how to handle their kids, and they should be allowed to do so. It’s their role to guide and support their child.
Tantrums are a part of life. If you venture out into public spaces, expect to witness one, and a little compassion can go a long way. Instead of glaring at the parents, try to remember that we’re all in this together.
For more insights on parenting, check out our other blog posts here or if you’re exploring options for family building, this resource is invaluable. And if you’re looking for the best tools for home insemination, Make A Mom’s BabyMaker offers great insights!
In summary, public tantrums are a common part of childhood that all parents face. Instead of shaming, let’s choose empathy and understanding.