Tantrum and Parenting Skills

Today we will go into how you feel when your child has a public tantrum and what you should do to tackle the situation.

There are many instances where your child creates a ruckus in a crowded place, like a store, and you can feel everybody’s eyes on you. The one question that invariably creeps into your mind, in such a situation, is what the other people must be thinking of your parenting skills right now.

Many times when your child throws a tantrum, you may feel that people think you can’t even control your child.

Here is a bit of consolation… there is absolutely no way you can control your child in all instances.

If you want to show good parenting skills, compose yourself and stop worrying about what the people around you are thinking and worry instead on what your child needs right now.

Is he hungry? Thirsty? Does he need to go to the bathroom? Is he hot or cold? Is he tired? Does he simply need 100% of your attention for a few minutes because he hasn’t seen you all day?

Or does he need assisted to the nearest corner of the store where he can take a time out for not listening?

When child acts out in a crowded place, heads will turn but you simply cannot know what people are thinking about you. You need not presume that everybody is thinking the worst of you and feel embarrassed.

When I see children throwing a tantrum in public, the parents who are in the tight spot often find it difficult to deal with. I actually find it amusing, being reminded what it is like to be a parent.

I can understand the connection between the parent and the struggling child. I have personal experiences of such situations too.

If I am there in the random crowd, I try to look with empathy at the struggling parents.

Also, I have come to realize, that the majority of people who pass judgment on the parenting skills of such parents are actually the people with no children at all.

So if someone doesn’t have the experience of having children, he or she cannot really associate with the situation. A child having a tantrum is very common. It is part of life.

So, henceforth, when your child creates a scene, jut keep in mind that the majority of the people looking at you have been in identical situations and you should not be embarrassed at all. Just keep focused and hone your parenting skills by taking care of your child’s needs.

By the way, if you happen to see me at the local supermarket and one of my boys are acting out, give me a reassuring nod, would you?