Everyone knows that as joyous as being around toddlers can be, they aren’t always a bundle of sunshine. This can be particularly true in public.
The little tikes seem to know when a temper tantrum is most effective- in public.
Most parents groan at the thought of their kiddo throwing an all-out tantrum in the middle of a store, and that’s because they know it’s bound to happen.
One actor refuses to be embarrassed by his daughter’s public meltdowns.
Justin Baldoni is a filmmaker, director, and known for playing the role of Rafael Solano in Jane the Virgin. He’s also the devoted father of two.
Back when Baldoni’s daughter Maiya was just two years old, he experienced a very memorable shopping trip with her at Whole Foods. It was one of the times that she threw a tantrum.
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Baldoni’s dad and wife, Emily, were there to see it.
At one point, little Maiya became very upset. So upset, in fact, that she had a tantrum on the floor. But instead of picking her up and heading for the hills – Baldoni and his dad simply stood there and watched.
Emily snapped a photo of the father and son standing over Maiya, both with slight smiles on their faces. According to the actor, it’s one of his “favorite photos” of him and his dad.
Baldoni decided to share the photo on social media, and also an explanation of why he’s not bothered during these types of events.
He starts out:
“I tried to stay off social media yesterday to connect with my family without distraction so I’m posting this today. Emily took this in Whole Foods. It’s now one of my favorite photos ever of me and my dad. Two men, standing together in silence, forever bonded by an unconditional love for both each other and this brand new, raw and pure soul who we would both go to the ends of the earth for.”
It’s something he learned from his dad.
Baldoni’s post continues:
“I can only imagine how many times I did this when I was her age. My dad taught me so much about what it means to be a man, but this post is about one thing and one thing only. Being comfortable in the uncomfortable. Something I grew up watching him do with me over and over again. There are no perfect parents, but one thing my dad taught me is to not parent based on what anyone else thinks.”
Now he puts the same lessons in play with his own children.
“My dad always let me feel what I needed to feel, even if it was in public and embarrassing. I don’t remember him ever saying “You’re embarrassing me!” or “Dont cry!” It wasn’t until recently that I realized how paramount that was for my own emotional development. Our children are learning and processing so much information and they don’t know what to do with all of these new feelings that come up. I try to remember to make sure my daughter knows it’s OK that she feels deeply. It’s not embarrassing to me when she throw tantrums in the grocery store, or screams on a plane. I’m her dad…not yours.”
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While it’s common for parents to get frustrated and embarrassed by their kids’ temper tantrums, Baldoni explains that there’s no need. In fact, it can be counter-productive to what they’re trying to achieve- a calmer child.
He wrote:
“Let’s not be embarrassed for our children. It doesn’t reflect on you. In fact.. we should probably be a little more kind and patient with ourselves too. If we got out everything we were feeling and allowed ourselves to throw tantrums and cry when we felt the need to then maybe we’d could also let ourselves feel more joy and happiness. And that is something this world could definitely use a little more of.”
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The actor’s inspiring post has been shared more than 48K times on Facebook alone. People have left various comments expressing their feelings on the subject.
“I love this. Thank you. I am one of those parents who worries about others when out with my kids. This post is a learning moment for me. This shows me I’m not alone….”
Another person wrote:
“What amazes me is a kid makes a bit of noise in a public place and some adults just freak out. So what, kids make noise, get over it.”
Someone else said:
“I guess it depends on why she’s having the tantrum. If she’s overwhelmed, okay. If she’s upset because she’s not getting her way, nope, not happening…”
https://www.facebook.com/justinbaldoni/photos/a.710188169088382/1311345852305941
Parenting is never the easiest job in the world, but it is definitely one of the most rewarding.
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