A Quick Stropping Spree!!

I have written about my experiences with the terrible two's and Burton before. As much as I hate the 'devil' child that Burton transforms into suddenly without warning, I have always been grateful that these incidents have always happened at home. Behind closed doors. Away from members of the public. Out of the sight of others.

I have seen children have melt downs in supermarkets, in shops, restaurants, parks, playgrounds and playgroups many a time. I have seen the distraught mums trying to gain back some sense of control as the situation must have intensified to the point where there are red faces, tears and shouting : and that's just mum! I have always felt sorry for these women and try not to stare as I walk past. Since becoming a parent myself, I have always walked off thinking to myself I am so glad I have not had to find myself in that situation.

Well that was until this morning!! *sighs loudly*

I think Burton is either very tired at the moment or going through a phase of testing his boundaries with me and Daddy as we have had a few days of him pushing 'it' recently. Sunday he had a melt down at bedtime for no real reason, other than he wouldn't choose a book for Daddy to read!

Anyway, back to this morning. I decided to take the boys into town quickly as we needed to pop to the library and to Boots. I drove because it forecast rain and once I had parked the car and got the buggy set up, Burton decided he didn't want to get out of the car! Anyway, I managed to get him out and I didn't take his seat with us for the buggy because we didn't have far to walk or many places to visit, so I thought he would like to walk with me instead. Hmmmm hindsight is such a wonderful thing!

We took the lift down I to the shopping centre and one of the first things you encounter are two little rides aimed especially at toddlers! (why do shopping centres do that?) Well I knew what was going to happen, so before he had chance to ask me I explained to Burton that if he was a good boy while we did what we had to do, I would let him have a go on the way back to the car. Was this the answer Burton was expecting? *makes noise like the incorrect answer on Family Fortunes* uhm......in a word no! He started fussing about and complaining and refused to walk with me! Well a few people were watching this little display of naughtiness, much to my embarrassment, and he then decided to lie on the ground!! Oh the shame of it!

devil child possessed!

Eventually I had to pick him up and carry him, while pushing Jenson with one hand, and off we went with me telling Burton how naughty he had been and how I wished I had brought his seat for the buggy! He was ok in the library and walked nicely to Boots but upon entering the store, much to his reluctance because he spied the Early Learning Centre en route and had wanted to go inside to which I said "not now", he decided to refuse to walk any further (again!). I stayed calm and passed him a basket and suggested he carried it to which I got a sulky "no!" in reply. So I took the basket off him, he didn't like that and stated making a fuss (again!). So I passed him the basket back and said "come in then, let's find the toothbrushes". He wouldn't move! Just shouted and jumped about and a Boots make up counter lady said to me "oh I do love seeing what Mum's use as bargaining tools to get their children to go with them". Hmmm "he has never done this before outside of our home" I replied. She then suggested I lay down and started screaming too (yes, he was now on the floor on his front! Oh more shame!) like the woman from that advert on the TV. I simply replied "you wouldn't want to hear what I would to like to scream about right now!"

Burton still wouldn't move despite my best efforts, and a few more older ladies made little jokey comments to me as they passed by and bear witness to this show of the toddler terrors! I told him that he wouldn't be going to Funderzone (local soft play) this afternoon in a calm, normal voice as I didn't want to shout or make anymore of a scene than was already taking place! Anyway, he did come in the end and  after about five minutes - a very LONG five minutes- and we went and chose a toothbrush. However, when I moved on to another aisle he just sat on the middle of the floor shouting "muuuuummmeeeeeeeee"!! Then he started crawling along the floor making his hands filthy! So I had to pick him up, wipe his hands and force him to the check out so I could buy my goods. Where upon the ' cashier number 5' lady started talking to him and he was back to his old self! Just like that!

All of a sudden the devil child vanished and my sweet, cheeky,polite little boy was returned to me! Hurrah!

Burton 'the normal' returned to me!

We were only home for an hour and it was one of the longest hours I have endured for ages!!

To be honest I was I in a quandary as to what was the best way to handle such a public display of terrible two's, having never found myself in this situation before. I didn't want to make it any worse but what should I have done different? I need to prepare myself for the next time it happens, as I accept that it will.

Have you had this happen to you?

What do you do to resolve your child having a public tantrum?

Do you carry out the same routine for it as you would if you were at home?

I would value any advice and experience........please!!

Thank you :)