Need good trip adivce for traveling with 1.5yr old (tantrums)

[mask_w03]

DH is very worried about her throwing a tantrum at the park when we tell her no. She hasn't been that bad, but when she gets to hot and tired she can. However we are going in Nov/Dec so it won't be hot like it has been here (90's). And I'm hoping to make sure she gets a good nap and then we do the parks or she naps at the park in her stroller and when we need to leave we leave. She is almost 1.5 and when we tell her no she just starts throwing a tantrum lately, what can I do to make sure this doesn't happen at Dis?? We are going to try her in the stroller only if we go into a store, or only one parent goes into the store. Any good tips welcome on how to handle tantrums at the park and any other good tips. We are there for 12days so no rush to do parks and will be back in feb so if we miss something of well, we'll see it later. At least that's how I'm hoping things will go for the trip!!

Thanks,
Margaux

 

[fofinia]

Hi. I've been in your situation lots of times. My DD4 sometimes still has loud temper tantrums. And of course Dd 18 mos too. At the parks, the only thing I've really done is put her in the carriage and keep walking. Maybe push the stroller over to an area at the edge of a building or something. A little quieter and let her have it out in a bit of privacy. I've gotten looks while my dd screams her brains out. But there is nothing I can do to stop it when it is all ready happening.
Best thing, really is try to keep them well rested. I try to stick close to bed times and nap times even though we are on vacation. My husband hates this. But if we travel with another family the guys usually go out after we go back to our rooms.

People will stare but at least are looking in sympathy, because most of us with kids have been there before.

Good luck!

 

[minkydog]

Congratulations! your child is developing normally. I second fofinia. You can't do much about a 1yo having tantrums. Its what they do. Try to keep your schedule near-normal. Rest.Eat "normal" food. Don't try to see everything. If she has to have a tantrum, take her away from the crowd and let her have at it. Most parents have been in your shoes.

Are you sure you want to go for 12 days though? That seems like long vacation for any 1yo.

 

[mask_w03]

Yep 12days is long, but we aren't doing the parks every day. My DH's family is down there so we are seeing them too and my Dad and step mom are coming so we will go see different hotels while they are there too and I know she'll be fine and refreshed when they show up. She acts a lot better with them around (grandparents just are the trick!!). But she's not that bad with tantrums, but we are working on them and it's normally when she is hot and tired. So as long as i keep up with bed time at 8:30-9 and naps throughout the day, I think we'll be good!! Thanks everyone!!!

 

[wrldpossibility]

It's very normal! I have a 1.5 year old right now too! Remember, she may be in a totally different phase by Dec, and be easier. I think at this age, consistancy is the key. She won't understand why she can get one thing but not another, etc. I'd keep her out of store when possible, and bring her out a surprise that you decide to buy her. Too many choices can be overwhelming. And if you say no, stick to it, or it's confusing to her and will fuel her next tantrum if she thinks you may cave. She's small enough that you can calmly pick her up, exit the area, and distract her until she's calm. Everyone around you will understand at her age!

My Dh gets very nervous/embarrassed when the toddler has a tantrum in public too (worries about disturbing other people), but it happens. Don't stress and have a great time!

 

[Oceana]

Every kid is so different and only you know your kid well enough

My now 3 year old at 18 months I could use count down discipline and he would mould to whatever we needed to do. He is still pretty good about not melting down

My now 13 month old is too young still to want anything after getting excited saying bye bye to whatever.

I would suggest that whatever you do at home is what you should do at Disney. The more consistant you are the better it will work.

goodluck
julie

 

[LaraK]

Ahhhh, your post reminded me of my last visit to the Magic Kingdom....DD, who was 3 at the time, had a whale of a tantrum right on Main Street on her way into the park. We walked off of main, went to the comfort station, and I let her have at it.

Kids are kids, and overstimulated, tired ('cause as much as you try to keep to the schedule, it doesn't quite work) kids have tantrums. If you get funny looks from people, just let them go. As long as you're not in a restraunt or something, what does it matter anyway!

 

[gurleym]

My advice is just don't worry about it there are so many kids around most people don't even notice or they have been there before. Just go and have a great time. If a tantrum happens there are plenty of places to go to calm down don't forget about the baby stations in every park. These are great places to go to sit in the air conditioning and relax away from the crowd.

 

[CindyAnn]

Just remember - if other parents hear a child having a tantrum, usually they're just thrilled to know that they don't have to do anything about it - someone else's problem!

My very tantrum-prone DS was better behaved at WDW than anywhere else. The level of stimulation that overwhelms some children seemed to be just what he'd always wanted. We did take afternoon naps every single day, though, and kept fairly early evening hours, too.

You might find it will be much smoother than you'd thought.