I went to Verizon today because I had to ask a question about my bill and I was right by the store. So I got Caleb in the front carrier and put Benjamin on my hip. Well Benjamin was getting antsy and starting to get fussy, so I tried to appease him with a fruit bar, he ate it and got mad because it was gone. He decided he wanted to get down and run around the store (which i wasn't going to let happen) So I tried to hold his hand while he walked around. As soon as I would grab his hand he would go limp and fall to the floor. I would pick him up and he would arch his body so I couldn't hold him. Then he started to get loud. They called my name and Benjamin decided to lose it and threw his body backwards so he was now basically upside down in my arms. I am trying to talk to the lady at the counter and it was just a mess. I don't want to spank my children in public and there was not a bathroom I could take him in. I tried to tell him that we were in a store and we didn't act that way. I felt like a terrible mother who lost control of her child. He was asleep two seconds after I got him in the car, but we have reached the age that discipline in public is going to become part of our life now.
UGH! Its hard to be a mom and know how to handle situations like this.
3 comments:
whoa - lauren, i think you handled it beautifully... i think (hope) people realize that kids throw tantrums no matter who they belong to :)
i know it seems so embarrassing for the mom, especially in the moment, but i (and i think most people) respect moms for disciplining in public right when the situation happens. just remember, you'll probably never see those people again...they can think what they want :)
Oh, have I been there before. I have discovered a discreet and effective remedey when you can't spank. Be warned, they will shriek, but you will get their attention and you can give a wide eyed look right back to them. Its the inner thigh pinch- very effective, quick, and easy to administer when a child is on your hip. I got to the point that I could tap Daniels thigh and he would stop the behavior. Something to try anyway...
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