Oh no... TANTRUMS!!

[Anonymous]

Alright, I'm a totally new nanny and just accepted a job out of desperation last week, even though the kids are a bit older than what I was hoping for (I love toddlers!!). Anyway, I would love some advice! Today I experienced the first temper tantrum from my new 5 year old while we (myself, him and his 8 year old sister) were preparing to go to the park. He'd rather go to the water park, which we couldn't do today. He had a full meltdown and I ended up putting him in his room for cool-down time (his mom's discipline preference), kicking and screaming. His poor big sister and I had to wait half an hour before he was ready to go with us (she has high func. autism and it was difficult for her to understand why we had to wait since she got all her homework done).

Sooo, my question is what do you do when you have two kids and somewhere to go (that isn't urgent such as an after-school class) and one is acting up? I considered just carrying him out to the car and going anyway, but thought it might do more harm than good since the park wouldn't be very fun with him screaming and upset. I want to be a great nanny, any advice is appreciated!

[Anonymous]

You did the right thing. No worries.

[Anonymous]

I think you handled it really well, he just needed time to cool down! When the little boy I watch has a tantrum I just ignore it as much as possible. If I turn on a movie, go to another room to do something, he will usually get distracted and calm down. If you have to go out, just calmly but firmly strap him in the car and ignore his outburst as much as possible. Hopefully he will calm down by the time you reach your destination. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I agree with the above posters. I would have done the same thing, but would have also had him apologize to his sister and I for making us wait. I have four charges so this comes up every so often with me (with our crazy schedule, we're always headed out the door!). If I have to be somewhere at a certain time, I physically put them in their seats, turn up the music, and try my best to ignore it. If we're already in public, I sit them in the stroller or car seat (with doors open of course) and do the same.

[Anonymous]

OP here, thank you all for the replies! I feel much more confident about having made the right decision. So glad these forums are here!!