Dealing with toddler tantrums when you can't physically whisk them away

[TempUsername9378]

Name changed for this, as to anyone who witnessed this morning's drama, it's outing!

DD is going through the terrible 2s. This morning we went to a toddler activity session and when it was time to leave, she ran away from me and threw herself screaming on the floor - not for the first time.

If DH had been with me, he'd have simply scooped her up and carried her to the car. But I'm 5"1 and 8 months pregnant with twins - I physically can't do that! I tried every other tactic I could think of - ignoring, threats, pretending to leave without her - but none of it worked and she was still going strong after 20 minutes. I ended up taking her by the wrist and literally dragging her out (because she was still kicking, screaming and refusing to walk) - but I hate that it came to that and it's really not how I want to handle things in future. So any ideas for what I could/should have done instead?

(Just to add that I'm also trying various strategies to avoid the tantrums in the first place - e.g. explaining in advance what we're going to be doing, warning her that home time is approaching rather than taking her by surprise, etc - but it's what to do when that doesn't work that I'm struggling with!)

I used to sit on the floor or sat near by and wait it out. It’s the only thing that worked myDD. Any interaction would escalate the situation.

I with hormones. I recall my dc having a tantrum in Tesco once. I just let him get on with it, and just stood next to him, and waited until he had finished.

I’ve honestly found that the only thing I can do in this situation is wait it out. I sit down near my ds (also 2) and just do nothing. It passes eventually...it’s so bloody hard!
Good luck OP

Distraction worked the best with mine but sometimes it just doesn't work and you just have to wait it out and ignore!

I used to wait it out, and talk to someone else nearby. Remember DS1 completely melting down in John Lewis, and having a lovely 10 minute chat with an older lady who took pity on me and told me about her children.

Scummy mummy but sometimes I keep treats in my bag if I know we're going somewhere boring or somewhere they might kick off. When I see they're on the turn I show them the treat and say oh let's go to the car/ get in the pushchair and we can have our treat. It's not all the time by any means and it's nearly always before a full blown meltdown (so they're not associating a tantrum with a treat). It's sort of a last resort tactic! When I was heavily pregnant with my toddler it was his dummy instead of a treat as he didn't have it out of the house

Thanks all - sounds like waiting it out is the way forward. Hopefully it'll burn out more quickly if I stay out of it - couldn't believe how long she managed to keep going on Wednesday! I'll see about keeping some treats in the changing bag for when needs must as well. Thanks again!