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[quote=Anonymous]This falls under the category of "sh--t happens" with little kids.

But agree with PPs that taking away summer daycare makes no sense.  Here's a few things that the parenting books would tell you:

1.  Don't set them up for failure.  Don't take them to Costco at the end of the day or, if you do because you have no other option, realize it will be a sh-tshow and just accept that.  Have realistic expectations.

2.  Incentives work waaaay better than punishment.  So if you were planning on buying cookies anyway for dessert, make it an incentive.  "We can get the nice cookies IF you behave nicely."  It helps if there are multiple incentives.  I've done many target trips where various "incentives" (things that were basically on my list anyway) were put back on the shelves due to poor behavioral choices.  I also have a son with an extensive collection of 99 cent matchbox cars from Giant, because they were great incentives.

3. Consequences need to be immediate, related, and proportionate.  See above suggestion re putting back the treats and snacks.  Riding in cart rather than walking along side, etc.  I like the above suggestion about sitting in the car and listening to mommy's boring podcast rather than going home to play.

4. FInally, not related to your kids, but do not judge others.  Pretty much everyone's kids are like this at some point.  Remember this when you are the empty nester shopping in Costco, and see some poor parent with their kid shooting them with a finger gun.  Smile and tell them "We've all had THOSE days!"  We all feel silently judged and it's nice to have someone express empathy.[/quote]

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