How to Handle a Temper Tantrum at a Restaurant
The vision of your sweet angel writhing on a restaurant floor, kicking and screaming, is bound to embarrass you and make you want to escape under the table or out the back door, but that's not the answer. First, ban the embarrassment because most children throw a temper tantrum in public from time to time. It's time to take action to stop the tantrum, as well as prevent a future meltdown.
Instructions
Take a deep breath. It will do no good to lose your patience and start yelling at your child. Count to 10 and gather your thoughts before you approach your child. Sit down next to your child while he's in the midst of his temper tantrum as staying nearby ensures that your child won't hurt himself or engage in inappropriate behaviors such as throwing food at other patrons. It also sends the message that you love your child and won't take off the minute things get tense. Remove your child from the restaurant until his temper tantrum is over, if he is in danger of hurting himself or others. For example, take your child to the car until he calms down. Resist the urge to give into your child's unrealistic demands simply to make the temper tantrum stop. For example, if you give in once and let your child have ice cream before dinner, chances are, he'll throw a temper tantrum the next time you eat out because it worked so well the first time. Remind your child of the rules. For example, tell him that he's not allowed to scream or cry when he doesn't get his way. Reinforce the rules in a calm and gentle way rather than screaming at your child. Try rubbing your child's back or stroking his hair to help him calm down. Distract your child to help end the temper tantrum. Ask your child if he wants to go for a walk while he waits for his food or if he wants to play a quick game of "I Spy." Many children will stop a temper tantrum if something more interesting comes along.
