How, and who, handles tantrums

Helen O’Callaghan hears some sound advice on the problem.

YOUR toddler’s having a full-on tantrum in the supermarket. You’ve placed her in the shopping trolley seat and you’re trying to do your business as calmly as you can. A stranger approaches and asks ‘can I help?’

Parentline CEO Rita O’Reilly believes the parent isn’t in any place to hear this offer of help. “They may see it as a suggestion that they can’t manage. In fact, they probably can manage quite well.” She recommends a polite response from the parent. “You could say ‘thanks but we’re managing – I find not engaging with a tantrum works best’.”