Unless they are watching TV, kids are highly prone to distraction. This can be a powerful parenting tool when out in public. I've found that well timed distractions can often prevent tantrums and public meltdowns.
Obviously, distractions are not always practical. The best advice is to pay attention to your little ones while out and watch out for stressors (i.e. hunger, fatigue, discomfort).
I would recommend that the following items are part of your usual gear when out and about.
- Food: Nothing beats a little snack. Especially near mealtimes when little ones tend to get the most cranky. For instance, a little baggy with some Cheerios.
- Books and Toys: Always have a book or toy out of standard rotation so you can distract with something they haven't seen before, or haven't seen in at least a week.
- Stickers: When age appropriate, stickers can be a dramatic attitude adjuster.
- Stomach raspberries: Pick that kid up and blow a few raspberries on his or her stomach, and you'll get a smile almost everytime.
When all else fails, this is my last resort:
- Portable Media Player: Whipping out an iPhone with a new Sesame Street video podcast can be extremely distracting. They run 5 to 8 minutes in length, and can give you the time you need to finish up whatever errand you are running. I plan to write up reviews on our favorite kid-centric video podcasts in the future.
If you have any other good distractions, please share them by posting them in the comments.
UPDATE:
Here's a picture of the last resort in action!
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