uh-oh - ds1 threw a wobbly when I took him to get his feet measured - tips to avoid meltdown next time?

[Miaou]

Fortunately the shop was empty and the assistant wasn't fazed

But as soon as ds1 realised he was having his feet measured he went into full-on screaming/kicking mode, tears rolling down his cheeks etc - as soon as I said we were leaving he stopped!

He last had his feet measured about three or four months ago and I'm certain he needs new shoes. I did think about persevering this morning and just getting it over with but had ds2 in a sling and was worried about him getting bashed!

He is only just two so the promise of any reward would not be understood.

Any thoughts??

[hoxtonchick]

how do you feel about proffering a lolly ? my dd is just 2 as well & is rather used to bribery.......

[nutcracker]

Hmm well to be completely honest, I would have carried on snd got them measured as next time he will think 'oh shoe shop, quick screm as loud as I can and then i can go home with no shoes'.

I think you just have to go and get it done, it's one of those things, like having their hair washed, haircut, dentist etc etc, get it done as quick as poss.

[nutcracker]

Must have been hard with Ds2 in sling though.

[Miaou]

Yep, if I had kept ds2 in the car seat I would have persevered nutty - but when I picked ds1 off the floor he flung his head back and cracked ds2 on the head - it would definitely have been an "armlock" job to get him measured

hoxton - actually he is mad for grapes - a bag of those and he might be distracted I suppose ...

I might try again tomorrow morning with carseat and grapes - at least it's quiet first thing!!

[Weegle]

Ds did this at the weekend and he's only 14 months! Second pair of shoes. I have to admit we just forced him to have them measured quickly then let him go back to exploring the shop whilst the assistant got the shoes.

[LIZS]

Think I'd leave it for now. Would he even try any on and leave out the measuring if you have a rough idea of size ? Is it a tempremental or sensory issue?

Can you take a week or so to do some stuff like draw around his feet and hands, finger/foot painting, wet sand so he isn't so sensitive about having his feet handled. If worst comes to worst use a template of his feet to buy some shoes pro tem. Can you decide what style you want ahead of him being measured so the assistant can have everything to hand and minimise the ordeal.

[Weegle]

oh yes that's a good idea - DS will sit still for anything if he has a bowl of strawberries in front of him!

[Meeely2]

one of my DT's used to go NUTS in clarks when i tried to have his feet measured - most embarrassing, but i refused to give in and he ended up just having one foot measured. He was ok trying shoes on afterwards though. The next time we went, i was all on edge waiting for him to kick off, but instead of sitting him on my lap, i sat him on the chair next to me, told him he was a big boy and he sat quiet as a lamb!

[oliveoil]

can you practice being a shoe shop lady at home?

that and bribes

I love bribes, it is my only parenting tip tbh

[Miaou]

lol olive fortunately ds1 is still young enough to think that grapes are a really good bribe

Meely I think that's it, just a phase (I hope!!) - I was just amazed that he knew what was going to happen and made such a fuss!

[amidaiwish]

DD1 did this about a year ago (when she was 2.5). i just said right - no shoes for you.

then DD2 had her feet measured and got new shoes (and a sticker). DD1 got nothing and couldn't quite believe it when we left the shop without anything for her.

Next time, she sat nicely! I've never had a problem since and infact she now sits really well and likes to choose. Remarkable turnaround. Sometimes i think they just like to kick up a fuss because they don't want to do what you want them to do.

[claraq]

My DD did exactly the same time last time I got her feet measured - about two months ago? when she would have been about 21 months. I put up with the screaming and sobbing to actually get the feet measured but then went ahead and bought some shoes without having them tried on first. Big mistake. She has never ever let those shoes be put on her feet and every time I get them out and look like I am going to try and put them on her she starts crying. I have NO IDEA why - they are very pretty pink shoes which usually she would like. Perhaps it is because she associates them with the trauma of having her feet measured.
Toddlers!