It’s most parents’ biggest dread: when their child has an almighty meltdown in front of a whole crowd of strangers. Here’s how you can ease the pain…
Preventing tantrums
Try to do things like shopping trips or tasks you need to get done when your child is not hungry or tired. Otherwise, you have a recipe for meltdowns in the queue at the chemist (NHS, 2016).
"Another way of trying to prevent tantrums is to choose your battles and accommodate when you can possibly do so."
Giving your child options might be helpful too (KidsHealth, 2015).
If you see a tantrum coming, distraction might work. You could get them to help you with the shopping, point out the baby in the trolley ahead or start singing with them (Family Lives, 2018). Basically, anything to make them think about something else.
During a tantrum
Despite your best efforts at helping your toddler to avoid a public tantrum, it’ll probably happen sometime. Here are a few things you could try…
Make eye contact
Try to get down to their level to speak to them so that you can make eye contact and see them properly. Talking to them and trying to find out what’s worrying them is the first step (NHS, 2016).
Hug it out
You could hug them tightly or hold them if they’ll let you. Often – not always, and you’ll soon know if not – that’s what toddlers need. So it’s a good one to try to calm them down when they’re kicking off in the supermarket (Family Lives, 2018).
Keep calm (it's hard we know)
Try not to panic – that’s when you’ll get angry too, which will just inflame the situation (NHS, 2016; Family Lives, 2018). Shouting or hitting your child won’t work, in fact it might make them think this reaction is acceptable (NHS, 2016).
Try to resist the temptation to argue or reason with them when they’re mid-tantrum. It will never work when they are in that state and it’ll likely end up just winding you up more too (Family Lives, 2018).
Change of scenery
Just remember that you’re in control, tantrums are normal and in the worst case scenario, you can just leave and go home (RC Psych, 2017).
If you can’t leave completely, at least get a change of scenery. So if you’re in the dentist’s waiting room, head out for a little walk outside or a park if you’re near one.
Letting them run their anger out with some fresh air and a place where they can shout without you feeling embarrassed will help you both calm down (NHS, 2016).
Don't worry about other people
Try not to focus on other people. Most of them will have been where you are and feel sympathetic. If they aren’t, who cares? You don’t know them and they don’t know you. Take a deep breath and learn to sweat less about what other people think, you're doing a great job. (Family Lives, 2018).
The aftermath
Easier said than done but try not to give in to whatever caused the tantrum in the first place. Whether it’s leaving the swings, not getting an ice-lolly or wanting to jump up and down on the coffee table in the doctor’s waiting room. Stick to what you said before the tantrum, so they don’t think their screams were a good strategy to get what they want (NHS, 2016; RC Psych, 2017).
You could let them have another win though. So if they have to get back in the buggy, let them take a detour to see the cat up the road on the way home (KidsHealth, 2015).
Try not to let it put you off going out with them. Instead, think about changing your routines. So if they are always tired after nursery, maybe don't do the big supermarket shop then. And if you know they’re chirpier after a big breakfast, book appointments for then (NHS, 2016).
This page was last reviewed in September 2018.
Further information
Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.
You might find attending one of our NCT New Baby groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.
Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.
Family Lives. (2018) Understanding and dealing with tantrums. Available at: https://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/toddler-preschool/behaviour/understanding-and-dealing-with-tantrums/ [Accessed 4th October 2018].
KidsHealth. (2015) Temper tantrums. Available at: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/tantrums.html [Accessed 4th October 2018].
NHS. (2016) Temper tantrums. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/temper-tantrums/ [Accessed 4th October 2018].
Royal College of Psychiatrist. (2017) Dealing with tantrums: for parents, carers and anyone who works with young people. Available at: https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/parents-and-young-people/information-for-parents-and-carers/dealing-with-tantrums-for-parents-and-carers [Accessed 4th October 2018].