Reply #7: I take the little bugger outside

[LeftyMom]

or have LeftyDad do it, if distraction and avioding triggers doesn't work. Kids don't like screaming thier heads off anymore than we like them doing it, but some kids get really overstimulated and have no other coping mechanism.

Grocery stores seem to be a common trigger, all those tempting treats, harsh lighting, incessant noise and a distracted parent aren't exactly a recipie for a good mood. So I keep LeftyKid out of stores that are a problem, in our case Safeway is the instant meltdown place, and go to places with gentler light and less noise.

I assume the mother was either trying to ignore the kid (trust me, doesn't work) or had no choice but to do her grocery shopping then. Nobody wants to be the mother of the screaming kid. We always go shopping as a couple so one of us can handle LK and one the shopping if he hits the ceiling, but I know not all people have that luxury.