Mum reveals quick way to stop kids having tantrums in the supermarket – and it takes just seconds

MOST moms know all too well the inevitable meltdowns in the middle of the grocery store when kids are craving their favorite candy and hear the word “no.”

But according to Tiktok star Amanda Bouldin, whose parenting hacks are viewed by 1.3 million followers, there’s an easy way to stop tantrums in their tracks — and better yet, it works in seconds.

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Her tried-and-true technique for keeping her kids from “asking for everything in the store” and “having meltdowns” when they don’t get it is to simply make them feel in control.

She invites them to make their own lists before they leave the house, and names a favorite treat or two that they would most like to add to the shopping cart.

“The list allows them to feel heard by selecting an item – [they’ll] feel grown up and have a say in decisions,” she reveals.

“It also shows them that I have to follow a list and it’s hard for me too!”

In fact, Amanda chuckles, we actually have more in common with our kids in that regard than we think.

“Let’s be honest for a moment – ​​how many times have you been there [the supermarket] with a list of what to get and then left with other stuff?” she challenges.

“It goes without saying – we’ll do it [and our kids] I want it too – it just looks different.”

Encouraging your kids to make a list next to you can help hone their newly developing skills of focus and discipline — and it also activates their logical brain to prevent them from becoming over-emotional, irrational and prone to another tantrum .

“We can search, but we only get what’s on our list because we need it – if we find something else, we need to add it to a list for another time or an upcoming occasion,” she explains.

Participating in making lists gives children a sense that they have a “purpose” and are being invited to an adult activity, so they are likely to focus their efforts on helping the mother.

Making lists for the future also comforts children with the knowledge that even if they don’t get it today, they can look forward to receiving the treat some other time instead.

Amanda lets the kids take responsibility for their favorite purchase, revealing, “I’ll let them get their item. You can put it in the shopping cart, you are responsible.”

They are no longer passively dragged through the supermarket, but have an important helping role that involves them in a positive way.

She even mimics her children’s behavior and then shows that she understands it and relates to it in her own daily feelings as well.

“Sometimes I take something [saying]”Oh, I really want it, but that’s not on our list” — it makes them feel less alone,” she explains.

The approach doesn’t completely eliminate tantrums, of course — but it “helps a lot to calm them down when they’re upset.”

Also, Amanda isn’t entirely immune to her cravings, and will sometimes throw in an unexpected “little treat” before it’s time to check out.

Try the tactic and you might avoid the tantrums the next time you negotiate the family grocery store.

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