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  Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

Monday, April 11, 2011 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

I smiled mostly because I had been there. I was catching up with my "friends" on Facebook. The post was something like this:

Sometimes I look at my son and think he's so darn cute and wonder how he could really be mine! Then, we go into a store and I have to carry him out kicking and screaming and I think how can I claim he's not mine for a little?!?  Please tell me I'm not the only one who feels this way!?

If you've got a toddler in tow, chances are you can empathize with this post too.

Seriously, how can a little one look so angelic, so sweet one minute and the next...well, the next, you may wonder where did that angelic sweet child go and how do you get them to return?

If you've been there, how have YOU handled it?

As for me, I admit, I've been down this road a time or two before. Ugh.

When it comes to major meltdowns, I think my munchkin has perfected her technique.

There's the warm-up. I can sense it coming on. Perhaps it's inspired by boredom (too long at the store) or tiredness (shopping and naptime don't mix!) or hunger (I've learned to always keep a healthy snack in the purse...a meltdown from a sugar rush - AKA a crummy snack - is just as bad as no food at all).

Then, the siren begins. Sometimes it's slow to start, but can become ear piercing in seconds.

This is generally accompanied by the flailing. There's arms, legs, and strength that seems to be superhuman.

By now, I'm well into making my own game plan on how to deal with this outburst.

If we're at home, I find the most effective technique to: a) ensure she is in a safe place and, b) let her go for it.  When she stands below me and wails, I keep to my sweetest, softest voice (of course, I have also perfected the art of deep breaths and have now acquired the patience of a saint), and respond, "When you calm down, I'll be glad to XYZ (insert specified desire here)".

If we're in public, it's time for the mad dash to the nearest exit. Forget my agenda; it's time to take care of the kiddo.

Yes, this exit may make matters worse. The munchkin's outburst could have been triggered by something in sight, but not in reach.

Too bad.

This is where my tough love takes hold.

It's when I have to do what is right, what will help her learn versus what may be the easier route.

Now back to that Facebook status...

Sometimes I look at my son and think he's so darn cute and wonder how he could really be mine! Then, we go into a store and I have to carry him out kicking and screaming and I think how can I claim he's not mine for a little?!? Please tell me I'm not the only one who feels this way!?

Tell me I'm not the only one who feels this way too.

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