My toddler had a meltdown and scared an older kid with SN

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think we've all been there, whether with NT toddlers or SN children of all ages. I have had both and currently have an SN twenty-something DD who has been melting down often lately. We all have to get groceries and I have had a crying child trigger my DD and it isn't fun for anyone in line. This is what I would recommend, OP: tell your child no and the reason once and then ignore the tantrum while you get your grocery business done. By consoling and repeating yourself, you are actually reinforcing the behavior. You then can talk to the adults, like the checker or the mom who was trying to explain what was going on with her SN teen. It is her job to handle her child and you should not feel guilty for your child upsetting hers. I appreciate posts like yours because, all too often, people don't care enough to ask and would rather judge us.

All of this! All that toddler learned was when I have a meltdown, mommy pays more attention to me.

[Mamabear15]

Hi,

I do very much understand how this can distress you especially when a child is upset in a public setting. You did a wonderful job with the situation you had surrounding you. It is never easy to have attention drawn to oneself in a difficult situation, but how we handle it is the most important part. Your toddler saw a great mama doing the best she can in a situation even though he was upset. Your toddler wanted something and you stuck to your guns, Way to Go!

[Anonymous]

Op you are a drama queen or looking for some type of validation... "good job not giving in to your toddler!" But why didn't you look at the Mom and chat with her if that's what she wanted to do. If her son was say a toddler and not special needs would you have given this poor women the time of day?