[Vigilanteman]

Breastfeeding babies learn it is not OK to bite mama when they get their first teeth at 4-7 months old. There is no reason a one year old can't learn it is not OK to scream at restaurants all the time. No, I am not suggesting spanking, but removing them from the situation to something safe but far less pleasant is appropriate.

Can anybody say saltiness crackers while strapped in a car seat while the rest of the family eats yummy take-out in front of the screamer?

Screaming stops, they share. Otherwise, enjoy the saltines.

[wintertime]

My son ( about 4) acted up at a very expensive ice show. The firm rule in our family was **no** food would be purchased at an event (we ate before or after) and **no** souvenirs. When he started begging for both ( in the second half), my husband gave him one warning. The second time, he took my son out to the car while his two sisters, his grandfather, and me enjoyed the show.

My father-in-law was miffed that he had spent so much money on tickets that my son and husband missed but there was never a problem again.

Another time, my son ( again around age 4) complained that the family was going to a restaurant that he did not prefer. Simple! My husband immediately turned the car around, dropped my son off at a neighbor, and the rest us had an very enjoyable meal at the local Pizza Hut.

Our rule was, “We as parents had to have a good time!” If we weren't, we would go home. It was a two hour drive to the ocean. If the kids squabbled in the back of the car, my husband would turn the car around and head back home.....even if just 15 minutes from the beach. All my husband or I would have to do is just calmly say, “I am not having a good time.” and all teasing, poking, and squirming would stop in an instant.