Terrible Two's...Temper Tantrum Three's!!

Meltdowns in public are never good, especially if they involve your child.

When I see meltdowns of little ones, my heart immediately goes out the parent while I thank my lucky stars that it’s not my kid causing the scene.

Miss Sassy

I actually live in fear of the meltdown. I would like to think that I am a tough parent, but in all honesty, when I see the hints of a temper tantrum outside of my home (stomping feet, frown, furrowed brow, clenched fists) I will do almost anything necessary to avoid it.

And that means give in.

I am proud to say that the other night, while at dinner at a restaurant, Stella tried to use the threat of a meltdown. To make a long story short, she was given a balloon, didn’t listen, and up to the ceiling it went. She was sad, so we told her we would get her another when we finished dinner — if she was patient. She wasn’t patient. So she didn’t get a balloon.

Meltdown.

And I held my ground. Even though hubby took 9-month-old Carter and made a bee line for the front door, I stayed in the middle of the restaurant and help my ground. Through the tears, screaming, apologetic looks from the diners, and all.

Stella cried all the way to the car and the 10-minute car ride home. Mommy held her ground.

Of course, as they all do, Stella finally calmed down. Later that night, feeling guilty but proud, I told Stella that I was sorry that she had been sad and disappointed about the balloon. She told me that it was okay and that next time, she was just going to listen.

Score one for Mommy.