He saw the hot dogs and started asking for one with that “please, mom” look on his face. But I had already told him no before, because we were going to eat after the movie. Well, you wouldn’t believe it… he threw himself on the floor! Screaming, crying, kicking as if the world was coming to an end for him. I felt like all the eyes in the theater were fixed on me. I tried to calm him down, but the more I talked, the harder he cried.
Have any of you been in this situation? How do you deal with this kind of public meltdown without wanting to cry yourself?
Oh, Juliana, this has happened to me so many times! My daughter is 4, and it feels like she’s on a mission to test my patience in public places. Once, she laid on the grocery store floor screaming for a pack of gum. I just wanted to disappear. What helped me was reminding myself that kids at this age can’t regulate their emotions well, it’s not about us being “bad moms.” You’re doing great by staying calm
Ugh, the candy store meltdown. Been there. It’s like they know we’re stuck in public and just lose it. You’re not alone in this, so many of us moms are right there with you. I wish I had some magic solution, but I think just surviving those moments is a win
Hang in there! It feels impossible in the moment, but I promise it gets better. My son is 8 now, and while we still have our challenges, I’ve noticed he can handle “no” much better. When he was 5, I started talking to him about emotions at home, using books and role, playing, and it helped a lot. You’re teaching him boundaries, and that’s such an important life skill
This is my life too! My 5 year old just threw a tantrum last week because I wouldn’t let him take off his shoes at the park. Do you think the hot dog meltdown was just about food, or maybe he was overtired or overstimulated? I’m trying to figure out if there’s a pattern to these blowups
this has happened to me so many times! My daughter is 4, and it feels like she’s on a mission to test my patience in public places. Once, she laid on the grocery store floor screaming for a pack of gum. I just wanted to disappear. What helped me was reminding myself that kids at this age can’t regulate their emotions well, it’s not about us being “bad moms.” You’re doing great by staying calm
I’ve found that setting expectations beforehand makes a big difference. Before we go anywhere, I give my 4 year old a heads-up: “We’re not buying snacks because we’ll eat at home after.” Then I ask her to repeat it back to me so I know she understands. It’s not 100% meltdown-proof, but it’s helped a lot!
What worked for me is the “two choices” approach. For example, when my son wants something he can’t have, I say, “We’re not buying that now, but do you want to pick out a snack from home or wait for dinner?” It gives him some control while sticking to the plan. It took practice, but now we can avoid most meltdowns (not all, lol)
Thank you, everyone, for sharing your stories and advice. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in this! I’ll definitely try setting expectations before we go out and maybe give him some choices or a “job” to distract him. Fingers crossed for fewer meltdowns next time. 
My daughter used to pull those same stunts at that age, and I remember how helpless I felt. One thing I started doing was a quick “calm-down” corner when I could. I’d take her somewhere quieter and just sit with her until she calmed down, no lectures, no negotiating. Now that she’s 10, I see how those little moments of patience paid off
I’ve been there, Juliana, and my kids are teenagers now! My advice is to stay consistent and calm, even when you’re dying inside. If they see you giving in to the tantrum, it reinforces the behavior. If they see you staying calm, they’ll eventually learn. Also, don’t worry about the judgmental stares, most people get it
Have you tried giving him a “job” to focus on during outings? My son is the same age, and we started asking him to help us, like holding the tickets or choosing the seats at the theater. It keeps him engaged and gives him a sense of responsibility. He seems less likely to lose it when he feels involved