Hellobee Boards

Oh this sounds very similar to our mornings! DD is turning 3 in January, so we've been dealing with this kind of stuff for the past year or so.

We do our best to nip these types of scenarios in the bud by giving her a choice. For example, she'll want to bring her blanket, and 5 stuffed animals… we'll say, "you can only bring one. Pick one".

If she wants to continue playing or doing whatever she's doing (like for you, it was the walker)… we will say, "only 1 more minute", so that it gives her a heads up on the next transition. We are constantly helping her anticipate what's coming up next.

For example, when she's eating breakfast, we'll say, "after breakfast we are going to XYZ… OK?" - and we wait for her to acknowledge and say, "OK". Sometimes she'll negotiate and say, "no, can I do XYZ?".. and we'll either say "Ok, but only for a little bit" (then say, "ok little bit is over. It's time to go").

We find that setting her expectations and sequences well in advance help us a lot.

Eta: Or if she wants to take the walker, we'd say, "sorry the walker can't come with us. It's too big and it will get dirty, BUT you can take XYZ instead"...

I have been struggling with this as well. Honestly, I have to ignore the tantrums and continue to do what I need to do. I let her do it for a minute or two, but if I need her in the car, I pick her up (like a football if I have to) and move her. She seems to be learning that the tantrums won't get her her way. Also, like @Mrs. High Heels: we let her know what's coming up next. If need be, I set a timer on my phone so she hears it and knows it's time to move on.

I know it's so stressful and draining - hang in there.