Positive Discipline Tools and Tips for the Beginning, Middle or End of a Target Meltdown

Every week my two young boys (4-year-old Greyson and 2-year-old Reid) and I have a routine of going to Target to pick up our weekly essentials.  I learned early on not to buy a toy, even from the $1 aisle, because it created a new routine of expecting “something” every visit.  Of course, the few trips after breaking this habit were not fun.

To prepare them for this new plan (take time for training) I explained that we were not going to buy any toys. Then on our way to Target I shared the list of exactly what we needed to get and asked for my oldest son, Greyson, to help me remember the items. It was my hope that asking for his help would distract him from wanting to buy a toy (providing experiences that help children feel capable).

Surprisingly it went well without a major meltdown.  Greyson did seem proud of himself for helping. It might have helped that I creatively learned how to avoid the toy aisle at all costs, which is not easy!

Our weekly trips to Target are now virtually stress free-as long as I’m in and out within 30 minutes and don’t go close to nap time (getting into the child’s world and planning ahead).

A few weeks ago, we had an exceptionally awesome day of communication, a long nap, exercise for Mommy, and some extra fun games and activities.  Greyson was being extra helpful and patient with his baby brother Reid. It warmed my heart to watch him sharing his toys with Reid. Overall, I think I can speak for all of us when I say the day was a 10 on a scale from 1-10.