Becoming a parent means a major lifestyle change. The days of spending all day or evening at event become quite challenging with kids, especially toddlers under the age of five. Have you ever planned the perfect outing for your kids, only to be disappointed by tears, tantrums & meltdowns? Here’s what I’ve found works for minimizing the meltdowns:
Take your children first thing in the morning when they wake up, or right after a nap
Most toddlers have meltdowns because they are either tired or overstimulated. Timing is everything! For me, taking my kids places right after breakfast ensures that they won’t be starving, and they are well rested. The same goes for after a nap. In fact, the after nap grogginess sometimes works in my favor.
Pack extra snacks
I love fair and festival food as much as the next girl. However, I have a very picky four-year-old. She loves dairy products and doesn’t drink much except milk or water. Knowing that, I keep her favorite drinks on hand if we are going to be out for several hours. For me, this helps to minimize her meltdowns.
If possible, bring reinforcements
By reinforcements, I mean Grandma, friends, or family. Any extra hands on deck are always a big help with little ones. And I’ve found that having more familiar faces around can minimize the intensity or duration of a meltdown.
Bring your camera (or keep your phone charged)
You won’t want to miss their grins in the pumpkin patch, powdered sugar all over their faces, and anything else that might occur. In the case of a meltdown, snap a picture of that too! You can show them when they are older.
Use the stroller as extra storage
When you have little kids, you feel like you are bringing everything but the kitchen sink on an outing. Your arms get full and you are constantly digging for something in a bag. The stroller works to keep the kids contained as well as storage for all the kiddie gear! I have a four-year-old and almost two year old, and I love our Joovy stroller.
Ignore the stares
People will stare, grumble and glare. Anyone who has ever raised kids knows that toddlers can be unpredictable. Once Melody and I were shopping in Belk. She had just woken from a nap and was being fussy in her stroller. A woman walked over and said to her, aw, what’s wrong little girl? Are you sleepy? Does your mom need to take you home for a nap? I tried not to glare at her, but kindly informed her that she had just woken from a nap.
Know your child’s over stimulation threshold
Sometimes as adults, we forget that all that excitement can be overwhelming for them, especially if we are deviating from their normal schedule. We had to leave a Halloween event because Melody had a HUGE meltdown. Nothing was going her way, and Daphne was half asleep anyway, so we just came home and put everyone to bed. We decided it was better to give them what they needed, rather than push the issue just because it was Halloween.
What was the last outing you had with your toddler? What did you do to minimize the meltdown?
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Bess Walthour says
November 2, 2015 at 5:59 amExcellent advice. One is never too old to learn, especially being a grandmom who helps to care for her only grandchild. I thank you for these tips. My grandson is only nine months, but it has been awhile for me to be a caretaker of a little one. I love this little guy with all my heart, but it does seem overwhelming sometimes. Thanks for the tips. Love your blog!
Bess
dacounsel says
November 2, 2015 at 11:35 amThese tips have made my life easier. Everyone can use a refresher, especially if you have t done it in awhile. Enjoy that grand baby!
Keelie Reason says
November 7, 2015 at 1:33 amGreat post! I love the pictures. So wonderful.
dacounsel says
November 7, 2015 at 1:46 amThank you!
jvkrakowski says
November 10, 2015 at 7:53 pmI love how they’re sleeping in these photos. So cute! Helpful tips, too.
dacounsel says
November 11, 2015 at 1:43 amThank you! They are sweetest when asleep 😉
jehava says
December 30, 2016 at 6:22 pmAwesome! I know that for me snacks are my key helper! LOL It seems to calm almost any situation! Thanks so much for sharing these tips!
Diedre says
December 30, 2016 at 8:03 pmYour welcome Jehava! I’ve learned the hard way.
Misty Eilar says
December 30, 2016 at 6:24 pmI love this, people think I am crazy for bringing a tablet and packing snacks. I love being prepared. Luckily only one major incident, but had her tablet so once the sounds started she was happy.
Diedre says
December 30, 2016 at 8:02 pmYou aren’t crazy, you are smart!!
Rochelle says
December 30, 2016 at 6:32 pmIt definitely is tough when my daughter has a meltdown in public. The snacks definitely help too! Thanks for sharing.
With Love Rochelle
http://www.withloverochelle.com
Gloryanna says
December 30, 2016 at 7:51 pmYes, yes yes! For my guy I think the over stimulation is his biggest factor to meltdowns. If that means we have to leave play dates 15 minutes early, then we do! And I always say a good snack keeps things at bay in the store. 😉 No emotional eating here! Ha!
Diedre says
December 30, 2016 at 8:02 pmHa ha…I get it! I am queen of opening cheese, a pouch, goldfish, whatever I need to open to calm my kids down.
Brittany says
December 30, 2016 at 8:42 pmGreat ideas! I always make sure to have snacks on hand. We do most of our outings between 9 and 12 so we’re home for nap.
Diedre says
December 30, 2016 at 9:24 pmTiming is everything!
Patricia says
December 30, 2016 at 10:15 pmThese first two tips are definitely key with my girls. Food and timing are everything!
yvette says
December 31, 2016 at 12:48 amOh boy, yes! I too have learnt most tricks for avo8ding tantrums… but…they still happen sometimes. I think learning to avoid the staring is the biggest life changer for me!
Diedre says
December 31, 2016 at 4:55 pmYes, unfortunately they still happen. Being prepared and not getting frustrated are the keys to not losing your mind.
Kristen says
December 31, 2016 at 9:10 pmYes x 100! I hate when I push for something knowing dang well it’s not gonna work for my kids at that time.
Val says
January 2, 2017 at 9:44 pmYes I have to agree – timing is key. Our last outing was to the movies and not sure when will return- lol.
Diedre says
January 3, 2017 at 2:55 amI understand your pain….