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.

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.

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 & 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.

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.

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!

Sorry for this novel! I keep going back and forth. WWYD?