Bribes V'S Blow Out

We've all been there. Little treasure sees something, little treasure wants something, little treasure cannot have the something because mum doesn't have the treasure to get it, little treasure plans line of assault in minus zero seconds, heads straight for the mum's fried nerves, knowing we are in public and screams blue murder!!!

Oh how does one proceed? Do you:
A: Tell the child, yes yes you can have it, just please stop screaching, cause everyone is looking at us and I haven't done my hair today.  All the while you smile uncomfortably and talk in what you think sounds like a really calm voice, but really is so unconvincing its cringe-inducing.

B: Stand your ground, and refuse to purchase the item in question, but at the same time scuttle over to this nearest 'more affordable' item and offer it to screaming toddler to pacify, as your prise the more expensive one out of their tiny, oh so cute, but extremely strong little fingers.

C: Take the ''can't beat em' join em' approach", the 'drop and roll' approach, and proceed to have an all out tantrum right back at your toddler and stun them into silence? Albeit momentarily. This one probably best not recommended in public I'll admit, because it will undoubtedly stamp a HUGE question mark over your sanity, and people will probably be worried about the child.

D: Stand your ground, like a platoon man getting hurled abuse in a line up. Steadfast, emotionless, passing no remarks and not even flinching while the shoppers look on wondering why you aren't trying to keep your child quiet.

E:Resort to almost empty treats of "teddy is going in the high press" if... blah blah blah blah.

I know consistency is key, but looking over the above options, I can safely say I have deployed all of the above at one time or another!!! So I've concluded it really depends on where you are, right?

A is definitely, undoubtedly deployed if you are in an up-market and oh so quiet establishment, a fancy boutique or at mass or something.

B is deployed when you have a little bit of leeway, there are a number of other parents near by fending off similar assaults so it's ok to use this half-assed form of dicipline for the child, because they are not getting what they asked for really, and the screaching has ceased, win win?

C, Ah yes, this one is most defintely behind closed doors, probably best keep this trick for home.FYI It does work! I am the 'most stubborn' winner.

D, again this works best at home because if it does escalate, you can batton down the hatches and ride out the storm from the comfort of our own home. Not advisable if you are in an up-market joint I'd imagine. Possibly would get away with it in the likes of McDonalds or somewhere similar because you know you will definitely have the support of all other parents standing there having french fries pegged at them by a tantrumming toddler.

E is 'THE' the ultimate tactic!! Because it doesn't matter where you are, you can whisper in their ear "teddy is going to get it if..." Cue evil laugh...