The thing about tantrums is that every parent, no matter how well-behaved their child is normally, knows it’s not a question of if – it’s a question of when.
Your child will pitch a fit, probably at least a handful of times in public, so it’s important to prepare yourself ahead of time. Me? I practice repeating to myself “my child isn’t giving me a hard time, my child is having hard time.”
Does it work? Sort of.
These 12 parents know that one of the best defenses is simply being able to laugh at the absurdity of it all…and to know it will all be over soon enough.
12. It’s even more annoying like this, honestly.
Drum up some real feelings or get outta here.
Like an actor phoning it in, only it’s my toddler throwing a half assed tantrum. Her heart’s not really in it, but she’s contractually obligated to have a certain number per day so here we are.
— Snarky Mommy (@SnarkyMommy78) May 28, 2019
11. It’s funny until you get to the last sentence.
Then it’s hilarious.
My toddler was having a massive tantrum until she found a grape on the floor. She ate it, and forgot why she was crying. She was crying because she doesn't like grapes.
— Marcy G (@BunAndLeggings) April 18, 2020
10. That’s an impressive train of thought for a toddler.
Seriously, my kid’s attention span would never have it.
In the middle of an absolutely EPIC tantrum, my toddler paused, demanded to go potty, proceeded to unleash a strong number two, allowed himself to be wiped, then hopped off the toilet and immediately resumed his tantrum, as if nothing had happened.
Kids are fucking terrifying.
— Dad and Buried (@DadandBuried) October 9, 2019
9. That’s fairly terrifying.
As all toddlers can be at times.
Last night, my 3 year old kicked me during a tantrum. As I tucked him in bed later, he apologized. "I'll never kick you again," he said, pulling me in closer and kissing my cheek. "Just do exactly what I tell you to do and I'll never have to kick you again." My son is a mobster.
— Henpecked Hal (@HenpeckedHal) October 4, 2019
8. Maybe being honest will work.
You’ve tried everything else.
[trying to stop my toddler's tantrum in a restaurant]
*harsh whisper* If you don't cut it out right now then there's nothing else I can do— mark (@TheCatWhisprer) February 11, 2017
7. Bless his heart.
They just have so many feelings.
My toddler’s tantrum over the door being open was only surpassed by his tantrum over the door being closed.
— WTFDAD (@daddydoubts) March 16, 2019
6. Learning to manage your feelings is a lifelong task.
Be gentle with yourself.
When my child has a tantrum: Now, now little one. Is this how we communicate? Would you like a hug? Take a deep breath and count to ten.
When my child eats some on my “me time” snack: LISTEN HERE YOU LITTLE SHIT
— Arianna Bradford (@thearibradford) September 11, 2019
5. I mean it probably will.
Gotta get those feelings out.
My daughter isn’t even sure why she’s throwing a tantrum but she’s pretty sure it will help.
— Mommy Owl (@Mommy__Owl) May 16, 2018
4. You can try to do both.
That’s a pretty complicated facial expression, though.
When I see a kid having a meltdown I try to give the mom a sympathetic look, but on the inside I'm so damn happy it's not my turn.
— OneFunnyMummy (@OneFunnyMummy) July 29, 2014
3. The solution is part of the problem.
Who could have guessed?
Tantrum is a horrible word YET it contains the solution on how to handle one right there in its last 3 letters.
And who says the English language isn't beautiful?
— A Bearer Of Dad News (@HomeWithPeanut) February 18, 2020
2. To be fair, I always try to convince myself I only need two pancakes, too.
Give the girl her pancakes.
Tonight’s tantrum was brought to you by me putting four pancakes on a child’s plate when she clearly couldn’t eat four pancakes and four pancakes TAKE UP SO MUCH ROOM ON THE PLATE so she took two pancakes off and then ate all four pancakes anyway omg I hate parenthood sometimes
— Rodney Lacroix (@RodLacroix) October 13, 2020
1. That is a fair problem.
One easily solved, I suppose.
My 2-year-old threw a temper tantrum because she wants to eat cereal but both her hands are full of stuffed animals.
The struggle is real.
— James Breakwell, Exploding Unicorn (@XplodingUnicorn) June 18, 2016
Ah, kids. They’re going to be just fine, you know?
Tell us your best way to handle tantrums in your house – I want all of your tips and tricks below!