I was grocery shopping recently and while in the cereal aisle I was privy to a full-blown, hissy fit, screaming to the tops of her lungs, temper tantrum.  I did feel for the mother... but she really wasn't handling it very well. 

She was yelling back at the child, threatening her with what I have a feeling were empty threats.  But what bothered me was that she was calling her daughter the "s" word (which is stupid - a word that my son will tell you is bad) and telling her to "shut up" - another phrase we don't use in our house.

I felt uncomfortable and felt like I should have said something but all I could do was give her a dirty look.  I know... before you say anything - I should have done something more constructive.  I should have said something helpful... but no, I gave her a dirty look. 

I can't relate because my son never had temper tantrums in public.  In fact, he just started having little tantrums (he's six) here at home about two or three months ago.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not bragging... just very lucky.  So I don't know for sure how I'd handle it if my son had a tantrum in public.  If he does ever show such a public display - I'll let you know.

Over the last several days I've thought about this incidence and after talking with a couple mothers and doing a little research I've come up with some tips to help you cope with temper tantrums:

Ignore the tantrum

This is the easiest and hardest thing to do.  This technique also works best at home than in a public place.  In public, you never want to leave your child unattended.  If your child is lying on the floor screaming, continue to talk to them as if you never noticed.  Eventually, they will get the hint and stop screaming.  And remember, ignoring a toddler is not harsh.

Don't get angry

When they scream and you scream... the situation is greatly out of control.  Don't resort to a screaming match with your child - nobody wins.  Keep using the same calm voice you use when they are behaving to get your child to calm down as well.

Avoid instant gratification

In public toddlers quickly learn they get what they want if they have a tantrum.  Often time parents give in to keep their children quiet.  But tantrums will continue if they know you will cave.  Simply stay firm and say "no".  After a few times of standing your ground, they will realize it doesn't get them what they want and the tantrums will stop.

Praise good behaviour

Positive reinforcement is better than negative reinforcement.  I strongly believe that when there is no positive attention that to a child any attention is better than none - even negative attention.  So a child will behave badly just to get any attention.   A child's temper tantrums may be a cry for attention.  Don't let it get to this point.  So praise often your kids often.  Smile at them often, tell them what a good boy or girl they are when they pick up there toys, go potty and use good manners.

Carry snacks

Low-blood sugar can lead to tantrums.  If you are out longer than anticipated and lunch time or dinner time is approaching, go ahead and let them have a healthy snack to keep their hunger at bay and sugar levels stable.

Be consistent

At home you might use "time out" to deal with bad behaviour.  In public do the same.  Sit your child on a bench for five minutes or take them to the car.  Eventually they will learn you are not a pushover and begin to behave.

Be rested

Run errands after they have a nap.  Sleepy kids are cranky kids.  Toddlers are more apt to be well behaved when well rested.

You'll survive the terrible twos and beyond if you follow these tips.  If you have a tip on how to handle tantrums share them with us.