[aclee]

I have two ways to deal with tantrums in kids. It really depends on WHY they are tantruming (when they are at E's age) if they are having a tantrum because they can't convey something to you, or are confused or upset about something that they can't express, I do soothe them. If they are tantruming from a "no" or an "you can't have that" they they get ignored. I would have gotten him in that carriage. E is smart, and you know that. If you gently took his face between your thumb and forefinger and tell him sit sternly in that "I'm the Mommy" voice, "Sit" Do you think he would do it? I would have tried that. Even most tantuming kids know the Mommy voice and will listen to a one word command. I would have gotten him in that carriage come you know what or high water, cause in addition to carrying him and giving him all that extra attention of being lugged, he can feel your upset and frustration, and he's right there to take it out on you physically. All those things are huge pluses in the tantrum world. I had a tantrumer when I was a Nanny and I would strap her in good, and pull the carriage so my back was to her back as she was sitting, and when she stopped I would go back and push the carriage. I've told total strangers to "please ignore her" in the grocery store before when they would try and help and ask her what was wrong.

No more cookies Storm my friend. You know that. You know what to do here, because you are a very smart Mommy. You want to hear reassurance that we've all been there, and it's ok to be the "mean" mommy sometimes? Be the mean Mommy!!!

If I see a Mom in the grocery store with a tantruming kid and she's ignoring him/her, I always catch her eye and smile to try and support her. It's NOT easy when everyone is watching you! It's really not, but you do a million things everyday for E that aren't easy, so you can do this too!