Did I deal with this correctly?

[gregssausageroll]

I was at MILs house this pm. Her neighbour also had her grandson there so my ds and the grandson were playing. They are both 3. I told DS that he could go round the triangle (a bit that the play on outside) once more but that we had to go home for tea. He seemed to understand. Parked the bike up after his turn round and tried to bolt into the neighbours house. I stopped him because I know she's got cream coloured carpets! Roll on complete melt down.

Kicking and screaming, I had to man handle him to get my keys, into the car and drive off. I apologised to neighbours and just said I had to go.

DS continued to tantrum while I was driving but eventually did calm down. I asked for and got an apology when I got home.

Am I dealing with this rightly? His behaviour the last couple of weeks has been challenging but not as bad as today.

I have had this type of thing recently with dd (also 3) and posted on here a few weeks ago.

What seems to have helped the most is talking to her about it before we go somewhere. So rehearsing the scenario (i.e leaving to go home) with her if possible beforehand and telling her what I expect of her.

Yes, plenty of warnings about what is going to happen as well, so you did the right thing there. Don't think there was much esle you could have done because you couldn't let him run in the neighbours house.

I also think it was a bit of a developmental thing with dd as she has taken a big physical stretch at the same time.

Was it at around 4pm? DS is quite often vile at this time, especially if he hasn't had a snack at 3ish. I think it's a combination of tiredness (he doesn't nap in the day any more) and blood sugar hitting low, especially if he's been running around and doing active things (but then if he's too relaxed, he does fall asleep and I have to wake him or he won't sleep at night). Keep little snacks about your person, even if they are sugar filled - those mini packs of biscuits can be quite handy to have in a handbag or something in case you're out.

Not to dole out the snacks as a reward distraction, I might add - but just to try to pre-empt this sort of thing.