by Missy Bell

Created on: June 12, 2008   Last Updated: January 22, 2012

We've all been there. You've been having a fun, relaxing afternoon with your toddler when suddenly the whining begins. And it doesn't stop there. Soon your son or daughter is screaming, ranting, and signaling to the world that you are possibly the worst parent ever.

Will you ever have a relaxing afternoon again?

Thankfully, you won't have to wait until they're twenty-one to resume public lunch outings and trips to the grocery store. Here are some tips for a successful outing OR day at home with your toddler:

1. Time it right.

If your toddler normally naps between 10 AM and noon, taking them to the playground at 9:30 may not be the best idea. We are all cranky when we're tired, and a melt down will be almost certain if you take your young son out to the park during a time when he's used to snuggling up with a book and a lovey.

To avoid this snafu, choose a time when your toddler is normally most active and easy going - the time when she is energized. You'll know the time - just note when the "Play with me Mommy!"s are suddenly on the rise.

2. Feed the beast.

The beast, of course, being your child's rumbling tummy (though we do call our son "the beast" on occasion....)! If you can't schedule an outing immediately following a meal or snack, bring the meal or snack with you! Always have crackers, fruit snacks, raisins, or a ziplock full of cereal on hand to dole out to your expectant little one. Also, if you're staying in, be sure to schedule snack times between meals. All bellies (including yours!) need some extra calories to make it through the day between breakfast and lunch and lunch and dinner. Most kids will even require a high protein snack at bedtime to have a good night's sleep. Studies show that toddlers (and moms!) who eat a light meal or small snack every two hours have higher metabolism, lead more active lifestyles, and have a lower chance of developing obesity or Type 2 Diabetes, so load up on healthy snacks and head out for a day on the town!

3. Get some shut-eye.

This is advice for you and your child. If Mommy hasn't had a good night's sleep and then takes little Susie to the playground, she will be irritated faster, want to leave earlier, and could, in fact, set off little Susie's tantrum on a day when little Susie could have been fine. Kids are in tune with our emotions more than we care to admit.

Little Susie or Johnny should also still be taking one nap each day, either in the morning or afternoon and getting a total of 10 to 12 hours of sleep

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