Toddlers cry and scream when they don't like something. They don't even care if they are in the middle of a crowd and it is quiet around them. As a parent, you often feel embarrassed to the bone in this situation when you suddenly become the unwanted centre of attention. Worse still, everyone is watching and waiting to see how you react.
Not everyone sympathises with a toddler's outburst. In fact, usually only other parents can understand how unpleasant this situation can be. Everyone else is annoyed and thinks the child's mum or dad is incapable of keeping their 'brat' quiet.
So that you, as the mother of a toddler, don't constantly break out in a sweat when you have to go somewhere in public and your child has to go with you, here are a few tips on how to keep toddlers calm in public.
The main triggers for an outburst of tears are usually hunger, boredom or tiredness. Before they are developed enough to tell their parents what is upsetting them, you as a mum need to plan countermeasures.
If possible, plan outings in public outside of nap time. Toddlers need their sleep and even fun activities can't keep them interested long enough when they're tired. If there is no other option than to go out during nap time, take a pram with you where the child can sleep comfortably while you do your chores.
It is best not to interrupt the daily sleep routine. A child who is not tired is in a better mood and is usually inspired by the interesting new surroundings.
The mother must take precautions against boredom. The child understands the importance of being quiet and patient. Take a toy with you that will keep the child sufficiently occupied, such as a picture book or an interactive toy. If necessary, buy a new toy if you think that the child will spend more time with an unfamiliar object.
Finally, there is still hunger and thirst. Make sure you have enough to eat and drink for the child and offer this again and again, because the child cannot yet tell you when it is hungry. Butter biscuits are an excellent bribe, because the child has something to do for a while and fills its stomach.
