Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/from-a-parents-perspective-grocery-discipline/5011322/
- Situation -Every time I go to the grocery store, my daughter pitches a fit at the check-out line. She sees all the candy and toys; and, if I refuse to buy her something, she starts screaming and kicking and hitting me. I often buy her something just to get out of the store, save face, and quiet her down. Other times, I stand firm but end up spanking her. Either way, I feel awful.
- Solutions -
The responses you describe have the potential to teach your daughter some powerful lessons. These are three of them:
#1 She might learn that the way to get what she wants is to make a scene.
#2 She might learn that she need not wait for what she wants.
#3 She might learn that people are totally unpredictable. Since there is no way of guessing whether she will get her way or a spanking - the odds are at least 50/50, so it is worth a try.
Her eventual mate, teachers, and co-workers won't appreciate lesson #1. Imagine a future social gathering. Her spouse is bold enough to suggest they leave early while she is still having a wonderful time. She wants to stay and he says no. Picture her response. ...