Whether they want to buy something and you say “no”, they run out of goldfish, or they are just tired and want to go home, it’s common for kids to whine, cry, scream, or get upset in public.

As stressful as it is in the moment, parents don’t need to feel embarrassed when the kids act their age.

Kids are going to get upset and it’s okay. How we, as parents respond to the situation, will impact whether they have these behaviours in the future.

Avoid bribing your child to behave. Bribery is responding to challenging behaviour and offering something for the challenging behaviour to stop. It will increase challenging behaviour in the future because you’re giving the child what they want for undesired behaviour instead of appropriate behaviour.

What’s the alternative?

• If you’re willing to buy them that toy or candy, flip the script. “contract” for it. As you walk into the store, say, “If you walk nicely next to the cart while I shop, then you can pick out a small toy before we leave.”
• Be specific about the behaviours you want to see and praise them as you do your shopping.
• Occassionaly, surprise your kiddo with a joy/treat when they have behaved appropriately (you don’t even need to explicitly tell them that’s why)
• If you have forgotten to contract upon walking into the store OR you are not willing to buy something that day, put requested items on their “wishlist” for an upcoming birthday or holiday.

This will teach your child they can’t get everything they want they want it- a valuable life lesson.

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