By: Sarah Thompson
Updated: Feb. 18, 2023
Originally Published: Jan. 5, 2013
1. Sweeten the Deal with Candy
Nothing grabs their attention quite like candy—especially suckers. These delightful treats last longer and maintain their flavor, giving you at least five precious minutes of silence as they suck away. Starburst candies are another great option since they take longer to chew, ensuring even more quiet time as they work to pick the bits out of their teeth. Just a word of caution: avoid Now & Later candies. They’re so hard and sticky that you may find yourself at the dentist’s office before you know it. And trust me, after a candy binge, the last place you want to be is sitting in a waiting room!
2. Toy Promises from Target
I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ll drop a couple of bucks on a toy from the dollar section at Target if it means keeping my kids in check. I make it sound like a special trip just for them: “Let’s go to Target so you can pick out something fun from that awesome aisle you love!” They don’t need to know I’m also there for essentials like groceries. This little reward can work wonders in preventing a major public meltdown.
3. The Starbucks Bribe
You might find it surprising, but I’ve discovered that a promise of a trip to Starbucks can work miracles. When I order my white mocha, they’ll often ask for chocolate milk. Sometimes they get it, sometimes they don’t, depending on my Starbucks card balance. However, when they start fussing, I’ll say, “If you behave, we can go to Starbucks after this.” And just like that, the tears stop. It’s a win-win.
4. Offering Cold Hard Cash
In moments of desperation, I can be a bit of a softy. When my six-year-old starts demanding things, I sometimes resort to offering him cash. Quarters still do the trick for my toddler, but my older one is after the bigger bills. He often suggests, “Just swipe your card, Mom,” whenever I decline a purchase. When I encounter a judgmental mom from the PTA and my child is acting out, cash can be the quickest way to regain control, even if it means sacrificing a few bucks.
5. Hand Over the Car Keys
I’m sure I’m not the only parent with a toddler who loves to push buttons. At home, the remote can keep them entertained, but in public, I need something more effective. If I find my garage door opener, I hand it over, and they’re delighted to press the button. If it’s not handy, I might resort to my car keys, but that always comes with a risk: the alarm might go off, or I worry about someone trying to break into my car while I’m distracted. Still, I take that risk. After all, I have insurance.
For more ideas on navigating parenting, check out this insightful post.
In conclusion, every parent has their own arsenal of tricks to maintain some semblance of control in public spaces. Whether it’s candy, toys, or cash, knowing how to manage your kids can make outings far less stressful. And if you’re interested in more resources, consider visiting IVF Babble for helpful insights on pregnancy and insemination options. You might also want to check out Make a Mom for reliable at-home insemination kits to help with your journey.
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