Look a Squirrel!

Have you ever found yourself in the beginning or right smack dab in the middle of a tantrum with one of your kids?  Oh, well neither have I, but I have a really good idea for those that have had this experience. By the way, I have been in this position.  While your child is whimpering or whining because he has experienced something undesirable, observe your surroundings.  Are there any lizards or squirrels around? Can  you see the moon in the middle of the sunny day?  Is there a piece of chewed up gum on the ground? Find something to look at and make a big deal out of it.  Say, "Oh look! A squirrel is jumping from that tree to the other tree." Or, "Ew, look at that gum that someone has spit out onto the ground."  Chances are, your child will engage in a conversation with you about what you have just pointed out. Sometimes, it's better to redirect or change the subject in a situation rather than saying no or stop.  Try it out for yourself.  Let me know how it goes.