Buying toys at the store

Yes. I broke the habit at about 3. I told him we can’t buy toys every time and I stopped. I let him throw fits and explained it’s just not possible and that he doesn’t need more toys. I explained how toys lose their value if you have too many and that he needed to enjoy his and donate the ones he doesn’t before getting more. The real way to break the habit is to just stop. He had tantrums until he eventually didn’t. I’d say no and he’d say okay. Now it’s been almost a year and we hardly ever buy new toys. Now I say maybe for your birthday or Christmas, and he’ll get new toys for those occasions. He understands and is more excited for those holidays now. You’re in control not them. Also, I have told him on various occasions the truth, we can afford that right now.

I still get mine a toy when we go. I just tell her no to certain ones. She’s allowed to get one Barbie or a toy from the dollar area at target.

I would tell him that he can get one of these or he can get nothing. You’ll have a couple meltdowns but I personally would never judge a parent with a kiddo having a moment. Don’t worry what others think 🩷

If your little boy has a tantrum and you give in by buying him a toy, then he learns that a tantrum = a toy. I think you need to still take him to the toy store/section because not taking is just avoiding the problem. Keep going and keep being consistent with no toy. You will reinforce this negative behaviour (the tantrum) if you give in even just once when he has a meltdown. Focus on rewarding positive behaviour (walking around and leaving the store nicely). Maybe he could get a small amount of money when he visits the toy store and doesn’t have a tantrum. He can save up and buy a toy that he’s earned.

If he wants a toy then you can tell him to put it on his Xmas or birthday list. Take a picture in the shop and tell him that he can ask for it for Xmas or his birthday.

Talk to him before he enters the store. For example, we are going to look at the toys but not buy any. If you cannot look nicely then we will leave.

It sounds like you are a great mumma and doing your best!

No advice . I agree sounds like your a great mama doing your best

How about if you let him take one of his toys out with him he might not feel the need to want a new one?