Toddler pestering is almost a day to day experience for many of us. Quite often it happens that kids start nagging you to buy something which they finds attractive. The tantrums they throw when you refuse to buy it, are definitely very embarrassing, especially in a supermarket. Most of the parents simply give up just to keep them quite. However, this cannot be claimed to be a healthy practice at all, as your child will eventually end up as a spoiled brat.
1. Plan your route
You need to make a proper strategy before leaving your house which means you need to stay one step ahead. The root cause of this problem is the fact that your child gets an opportunity to have a look at those tempting things. One efficient way of tackling toddler pestering is to eliminate this “temptation” factor completely. For instance, if there is some other route around the shops, following which you don’t have to past the chocolate shelf or go down the toy aisle, then opt for this path only. This way, you can make sure that your child doesn’t get an opportunity to come close to these products.
2. Do not argue, just give them a brief reason
One other thing that you need to keep in your mind is that you must never get involved in an argument or try to negotiate. The best thing that you can do is just give them a brief reason why they cannot have what they want. You can’t win against your child if you start negotiating, because once you start doing this they’ll think that you’re up for being swayed. You are not supposed to give some new excuse after every two minutes, just stick to your brief reason and keep repeating it. This is more than enough to discourage them.
3. Sweets are no reward
Many parents are in the habit of giving sweets to their child to reward him when he’s good. This practice is certainly not going to help you, especially if you are tackling toddler pestering because this habit will make your child associate sweet stuff with being praised and feeling happy. Its better to reward your child with a big hug or a trip to the park, instead of sweets.
4. Love and attention are better than chocolates and dolls
Even your child knows that what matters most to him is your love and affection, you just need to realize him this. This is worth more than all the chocolates and dolls put together. That is why it is always said that the best gift that you can give to your child is your love and affection.
5. The trolley tip
Supermarket trolley are not just for carrying goods, they also have one other excellent use. The best thing about these trolleys is that they have a seat for your child. So, make the use of this seat and put your child in it. Not only your child is going to enjoy this trolley ride, but also you’ll be able to past any shelf quickly if your little one spots something which is quite tempting. This way, your child will not get an opportunity to show a tantrum, and even if he does so, then at least he can’t afford to roll on the floor.
6. Keep an eye on the TV
You have to make sure that your child is not sitting endlessly in front of the TV. This practice not only puts a lot of strain on your child’s eye but also he is exposed to all those advertisements for junk food and toys which have been created to target toddlers. And when your little one gets to have a look at any of these toys in the supermarket, it is for sure that he will ask you to get him that toy.
7. Don’t give in to your child’s nagging
One important thing that you have to keep in mind while handling your child’s tantrums is that you must not give in to your child’s nagging, no matter how frustrating it may be. If you give in once, then there will be no end to pestering. This will make your child create an opinion that whatever you are saying doesn’t matter, because eventually they are able to get whatever they demand.
8. Ignore your surroundings
Most of the people give in to their child’s nagging because of the embarrassment that one has to go through while handling the child’s tantrums in a public place like a super market. However, if you really want to do the best for your child, then you’ll have to learn to ignore those gawps and stares. These gestures are nothing if your action today can end up bringing up a more disciplined adult.
9. Buy something else
It is much better to give them a choice of something which they can have. For instance, if your child is nagging you for a chocolate bar, then you can take him to the fruit section and allow him to have whatever he want. This way, your child will feel that they have some power after all.
10. Keep them occupied
One trick to avoid toddler pestering is to keep your children occupied in some sort of games or activity. For instance, if you are in the supermarket with your child, then ask him how many fruits or vegetables he can name or play some other games like this.
