by Brandy Fee

Created on: January 25, 2007   Last Updated: September 18, 2010

I know that this is going to sound funny, outlandish, and maybe even a little crazy, but honestly, you may be amazed at the learning experience that I am offering for your child, as well as the chance for you to get a little laugh down the road.

We all know that children throw tantrums in public. I don't know how many times I have seen parents in grocery stores turning 10 shades of red as their child throws themself on the floor and begins throwing an all out tantrum. Me, well I just have to laugh, because I have memories that make it seem so silly.

I do not recommend this for children under two... but for children older than that, it is a lesson well taught. Are you ready for this?

The next time your child decides to throw his tantrum, THROW A BETTER ONE!

EXAMPLE ONE:
When my niece, then 2, decided to start screaming in Walmart after being told she couldn't have a certain toy, I decided I had had enough. I stopped in the middle of the aisle, and screamed at the top of my lungs. I flailed around a bit, and cried. It didn't take long until her fit stopped and she looked at me with wide eyes. Yes, people walking by stopped and stared, and I even got a few chuckles, but it was the last time that she ever threw a fit in a store with me.

EXAMPLE TWO:
My stepdaughter, then 10, and I were in Walmart. After sulking a bit because she had been told that we were not buying whatever it was that she wanted, she decided that she would attempt one more way to get her way. She threw herself to the floor, kicking her legs, swinging her arms, and screaming like a banshee. Quietly I laid on the floor beside her, and within seconds I was throwing my own fit, kicking my own feet, swinging my arms, and screaming louder than she. She instantly stopped, stood up and said to me, "Stop it! You are too old to do that and you are embarrassing me!" With a smile I stood up, brushed off my clothes and looked her in the eye. "Now you know how I feel. Because you are also too old to do that!" Never again did she risk the stepmother tantrum!

Children learn by association, by what they see, and what they feel. Often times when a child is throwing his fit, he doesn't understand how he truly looks. Giving him a mirror image is often the best way to teach him!

Like I said, I know it sounds crazy, and it definitely takes a large dose of courage. But the results are usually unbelievable. I am not the only to try this approach, as my friends, and even some of my family has attempted it as well... and they have all had the same result...
The best part? Consider it a bit of parental revenge! And the stories and memories will keep you laughing for years to come!

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