How to Handle a Temper Tantrum at a Restaurant

There aren't many things more embarrassing than a child having a temper tantrum in public. Restaurants can be one of the worst places a child can have a tantrum because of the logistics. You're stuck at a table or booth and you're at the mercy of the waitstaff if you need to make a quick escape. While the best way to handle a tantrum in public is to prevent it with clearly laid out expectations and a history of following through with consequences for missed behavior, if you find yourself in a full-blown restaurant tantrum, follow these steps to treat it.

Instructions

1. Stay calm. One of the most difficult things to do during a tantrum can be to keep your cool. All eyes are on you looking to see how you will handle the situation. Ignore the spectators and have confidence in your ability to get things under control.

2. Ignore the behavior. As long as the behavior isn't loud enough to disrupt other diners, ignore the behavior. Although ignoring a tantrum is probably one of the hardest things for a parent to do, the lack of attention can often be the quickest way to end a tantrum. If you are at a child-friendly restaurant, most patrons will understand and sympathize.

3. In a firm voice, give one warning. A warning like "I'm going to count to three, and if you don't stop, we're leaving the table" can nip a tantrum in the bud. Be prepared to follow through and take your child to the bathroom or another place where she can cool down.

4. If she pulls herself together, return to the table. Remind her that she is expected to have good behavior. Let her know that if she does not, you will leave the restaurant, she will lose a privilege, or she will not have dessert with the others. Again, be prepare to follow through.

5. Leave the restaurant. If all else fails and your child won't behave, leave the restaurant. As hard as it can be, it usually takes only one drastic move like this for your child to know that you mean business when it comes to behavior. Flag your waitress down, ask for a doggy bag and the check and head out the door.

Tips & Warnings

• Empty threats are meaningless. Be prepared to follow through with the consequences you set forth.

• A restaurant and a hungry and overtired kid are a recipe for disaster. Be sure that your child is well rested and not overly hungry before dining out.