https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 03 Jun 2026 05:23:59 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2340436 Fri, 30 Oct 2015 15:12:52 +0000 MoonMoon 2340436@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: @MrsSRS: @Mama Bird: @My Only Sunshine: I think you guys are onto something, probably some combination of hunger and feeling overwhelmed at Halloween/party new situation.</p> <p>Last night we did 2 Halloween parties, one at the mall and one at work, and I fed him a good lunch beforehand and had a talk with him. Things went much better and he actually played, did craft stuff etc. I was really happy. It might have helped that these events were more low key than the My Gym party.</p> <p>It feels good to commiserate! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2340426 Fri, 30 Oct 2015 15:08:07 +0000 My Only Sunshine 2340426@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MoonMoon: Halloween is overwhelming for some kids! We had my office party yesterday and then a daycare party today for my 2 year old and it was too much. Yesterday, the other kids were running around having fun and my DD was glued to my side and cried when anyone tried to talk to her. Today, she refused to walk in the daycare parade and wouldn't even sit at the table with her little classmates. I ended up bringing her home. I kept saying "This is supposed to be fun!" So I'm right there with you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339849 Fri, 30 Oct 2015 08:15:22 +0000 Mama Bird 2339849@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would probably have done the same thing. If he was hungry, that's just a lose-lose situation... of course he'd want to keep eating, and probably wouldn't have a snack since there's all that candy, but candy isn't exactly filling food. It was probably best to take him away from the spread and let him calm down and eat something healthy.</p> <p>And maybe it was just also him being overwhelmed. My very social kid had a meltdown at a big costume party last year and was crying and asking to go home. He was like 26 months, didn't know anyone there, and had no clue why everyone was dressed weird and there was music blasting. And I think the clowns were scary :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339777 Fri, 30 Oct 2015 06:52:01 +0000 MrsSRS 2339777@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MoonMoon: I know some families that don't talk about good and bad food but use the terms 'grow food' and 'treat food.' As in, there's nothing wrong with a treat, but it doesn't help your body grow strong like grow food. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339773 Fri, 30 Oct 2015 06:49:01 +0000 looch 2339773@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MoonMoon: How did it go yesterday?</p> <p>I noticed that when I take my son to a place that is tricked out for a party, he responds differently than when it's a normal day there. For example, last year, I took my son to a Halloween party at the children's museum. I thought he would have a blast because he loves that place, but he really didn't enjoy himself at all. I think it was partly because of the adults in costume and partly because he felt out of his element. So, this year, we skipped it and will try again next year, I think. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339648 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 22:32:07 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 2339648@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think what you did was perfectly fine. Just because you're at a party doesn't mean there aren't boundaries that he needs to respect. I'm glad to hear he did better today. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339646 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 22:14:42 +0000 wonderstruck 2339646@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would have taken him aside - even if that meant outside, the car, a corner of the gym, bathroom, etc., to have a talk with him. Then if the fit continued after that I also would have taken him home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339454 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 19:19:14 +0000 alphagam84 2339454@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would have done the same as you provided he had a good meal before and I knew he wasn't starving for food. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339411 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 18:54:45 +0000 MoonMoon 2339411@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah that's another problem, the My Gym opens right into the street, so I didn't have an in-between place to cool him down. It was either the party or the rainy parking lot. Tonight, before the party we went to, I gave him a bigger lunch, and we had a talk and he seemed to be a bit better at the party. He's really food motivated, though! He goes nuts when he sees candy. Omg the next few months are going to be nuts! :shocked: </p> <p>Thank you for all your responses!</p> <p>@hummusgirl: that's kind of what I'm afraid of. I don't wasn't DS to think of "good" vs "bad" food, but I don't want him eating unlimited candy either! Sigh. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339337 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 18:00:21 +0000 Maysprout 2339337@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Been there. The only thing I may have done was taken him to a time out spot with me outside if it wasn't too cold to try and let him try and get a hold of his emotions. But i'd leave too (and have a number of times) if they wouldn't listen. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339332 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 17:51:17 +0000 blackbird 2339332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't have let mine gorge on candy just to avoid a tantrum, either! I would've let her have other stuff in case she was hungry, though </p> <p>anyways. Don't worry about what you did. It's not a situation that comes up often and maybe you can glean some tactics for next time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339290 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 17:07:12 +0000 Finfan 2339290@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would have done the same except I would have left the party room as soon as LO started crying, if possible and maybe sat in the hallway until LO calmed down. It's important for kids to learn that the treats at a party are to be shared among all the guests. If LO didn't calm down pretty quickly, I would have left completely. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339258 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 16:18:50 +0000 hummusgirl 2339258@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think you did anything wrong, but I probably would just let him have unlimited treats next time. My parents were really restrictive with junk food for me though, and it backfired and I have no willpower now (despite them talking about the importance of healthy eating and sending all the "right" messages) so I'm really conscious of making it seem like no big deal with my LO. Time will tell if it works! I agree with the above - try to get him to eat a good meal/snack beforehand but then if he gets to the party and still wants more, go for it. October is the season for garbage food! :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339131 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:55:14 +0000 HLK208 2339131@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When my daughter was 2, she was easily overwhelmed at parties...she would snack because it was familiar to her (it seemed) and the party was not. But I don't think setting limits is wrong either so I probably would have done the same. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339121 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:46:31 +0000 hotpink 2339121@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sounds like he might have been hungry for more food. Or perhaps overwhelmed by the party. I try to get in a solid meal before going to a party. I have also found it helpful to talk about what might be at the party ahead of time, friends to play with, Halloween games, and snacks but we can only have two treats or something like that. You did good. There are going to be tough times like that. Who doesn't want to eat all the treats sometimes! But we are there to help guide and set limits. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339103 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:28:08 +0000 Modern Daisy 2339103@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Welcome to my life! My son is always the ONLY child screaming and trantruming everywhere we go. He throws a fit at the drop of a hat and will not be redirected. I've taken to avoiding being in certain situations in the first place that I know he won't do well in. I am always ready to pack up and go. Sorry you had to experience it, but you did the right thing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339067 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:10:41 +0000 Greentea 2339067@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think he was walked into kind of a candy craze trap. So, it was probably just too much for him. I think what happened was inevitable- that he melted down about wanting more- it was a special occasion, special treats he doesn't normally have, etc. So I probably would have let him go to town or not gone at all, or expected what happened.</p> <p>If you want him eating something different, can you bring it along, or feed him right before? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339058 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:00:46 +0000 mediagirl 2339058@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: good point. My kid will not play at all if she is hungry and pretzels and gummies don't fill you up. </p> <p>I'm so sorry this happened but it sounds totally normal and totally like something my kid would do. Hungry or not. Sometimes she would prefer to eat than to play. She's very motivated by food. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339053 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 13:55:37 +0000 chopsuey 2339053@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Did he eat before you guys went to the party?<br /> Usually when we go to parties, the kids play and then we take a snack/food break if they wanna eat.<br /> I give my kids a set portion of snacks and just a few pieces of sweets if those are available.<br /> Once they're done, it's play time and snack time is over.</p> <p>I think kids need boundaries even at special events. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339052 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 13:55:07 +0000 MoonMoon 2339052@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for the responses, everyone! I've been so worried today that I was being upright or uncompassionate, glad to hear my boundaries weren't out of line! I'll definitely take the advice of talking with him beforehand and preparing him. (Another party tonight, gulp :shocked:)</p> <p>@looch: that's a really good point. He only had a few quick bites instead of his usual lunch, maybe that wasn't good party strategy on my part. Will definitely keep in mind for tonight. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339046 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 13:52:17 +0000 LuLu Mom 2339046@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would have done the same. I've had this happen before, it sucks because you want them to enjoy the party (and you want to enjoy the party.) I feel for you but I think you did what you should have done! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339041 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 13:47:42 +0000 Grace 2339041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You did good. I would have done the same. Don't second guess yourself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339039 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 13:47:02 +0000 looch 2339039@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Is there any way he could have been hungry? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339038 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 13:46:56 +0000 mauxie 2339038@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think my kid would've totally done the same thing after seeing all the treats spread out. So, I'd have to have a plan in place and warn her beforehand. We do treats occasionally but talk constantly that they are not for all-the-time and there are limits. </p> <p>In that scenario, I would have said before handing him the juice box-- this is the only one you're getting and then you can choose one snack (pretzels or gummies), so after 1 juice box and 1 snack, we are playing games. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339035 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 13:45:46 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2339035@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No, for sure we have put boundaries on candy and things in that situation. </p> <p>He's a bit young but what has helped my daughter is to explain her two choices. She can calm down and go have fun, or we can leave. But either way no more sugar. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339033 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 13:45:07 +0000 Adira 2339033@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think you probably handled it fine. The only thing you may have been able to do differently is given a warning before cutting him off from the treats. Like after juice box and the pretzels, when he goes back for something, let him know that this is the last treat and no more after this one. Then let him eat it and nothing else after that. That MIGHT'VE helped, but again, might not have. Kids this age are pretty fickle and the smallest thing can set them off. I think once you said no to the treats, it was smart to stick to it, even though he threw a fit. If you had given in, it would've only taught him that throwing a fit will get him what he wants, so good for you to stick to your guns, even though it made the whole situation suck.</p> <p>Hugs! Toddlers are frustrating! &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339031 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 13:44:47 +0000 Truth Bombs 2339031@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would have told my LO no more treats to go play. I would have warned her a couple times and if she continued to cry for more food and not play I would have left too. I think you did the right thing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339027 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 13:44:00 +0000 Smurfette 2339027@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would have done the same. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-party-meltdown-wwyd#post-2339019 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 13:37:48 +0000 MoonMoon 2339019@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This happened last night, and I was pretty upset. But thinking over it today, I wonder what I could/should have done differently. I'd love the input of any patents of toddlers (or former toddlers!) in how this particular tantrum could have been dealt with.</p> <p>Background: my son is almost 29 months old, generally very good natured, but definitely has his 2 year old moments as well. We let him have treats and sweets, not every day, but regularly. This is the first Halloween season he's really participating in, choosing his costume, enjoying parties, pumpkin decorating, etc.</p> <p>Last night, I took him to a party at our local My Gym. It was nicely decorated, lots of nice activities, music, etc. DS loves jumping around and playing there, so I thought he'd have a great time. First thing he does, he grabs a juice box. No problem, I let him have it and he happily plays for a little bit. Then he runs back to the refreshments and grabs a baggie of pretzels. Again, no problem, I open it for him, hoping he'll have some and go back to the games. Then he finds a bag of fruit gummy snacks. Again, I open it for him &amp; remind him that there are lots of fun games to play once he's done. He kind of becomes obsessed by the treats. Has another bag of pretzels, then goes for his second bag of fruit snacks. I firmly tell him that 2 bags of each is enough, we're there to play and have fun with other kids, that he can't have any more treats after that. Well he melts down. All he wants is more candy, more candy. He refuses to go back in and play. He won't stop kicking, screaming, howling for candy. I decide to be firm and not give in. 2 of the instructors, whom DS loves, also back me up and we all gently but firmly tell him no more candy, it's time to play, try distracting him, etc.</p> <p>Nothing works, and he just cries and cries until I decide it's time to leave. None of the other kids at the party were crying or screaming, or seemed as obsessed with the treats. I have to admit by the end, I got pretty flustered and embarrassed, and even pointed out to LO that no other kids were crying.</p> <p>Today, I'm second guessing myself. Should I have set boundaries, or since it was a party, should I have let him go nuts with candy? In addition to feeling like it was too much candy to eat, I was also worried that it looked bad for one kid to be eating so much of what was set out for the party!</p> <p>Sorry for this novel! I keep going back and forth. WWYD? </p>