2 year old

Just load kids back in the car & go home.
He will learn this is punishment without your screaming or smacking him. See if you can get sitter for a day for 6 mo old, then go out, go out 4 times in 1 day, immediately leaving when he does not behave.

I agree with both of these suggestions.

Airforcemom - as rough as it may be if you are out to eat and he starts acting up, take him to the car or go home. This can take a lot of patience in the beginning but soon you'll save time by having a child who understands that boundaries are not just for home.

Jane - She's right, if you have activities that keep your child occupied while you are doing what you need and you can give him attention when he completes a task, then your trips will be much easier. Last week when I was at Target I saw these activity books for toddlers and preschoolers. It's like "At the Park" or "At the store" that has activities like shopping lists and things to find to keep him occupied.

I think when kids act up in public it is just their way of feeling like you should still be giving them all the attention they get at home. I also had to leave the grocery store before i was done shopping, leave resturaunts before my food came etc. and it seemed to work. Now, when my grandson is visiting and he act's up in public, and we leave he seems to act as if he has won some mind game, smiles and says "ha ha", this is really upsetting to me. But i know in time he will see that he cannot go out and enjoy public outings if he cannot behave.But i do think being consistant with something to occupy his time while out is a good idea. I use to let my kids pick the things off the shelf that i needed from the store, that way they became a part of helping and they all love that..

As a mom of 7 children ,,, these answers are all the best ...Mine would be to bring snacks ,,kids love to eat ...and maybe a gameboy ,,,,,take care and try to not pull put all of your hair ,,,,,,,lol .......

The terrible two's. That is not an easy one to answer. What I do with my two year old grandaughter when she acts up out in public is take her aside and tell her how she is a big girl and if she can be patient while grandma shops we can do something special together and she gets so excited. So when we get home grandma takes her to the part and makes a snack and we sit and eat together and just have fun. We always do different things so she doesn't get bored. I always give her praise when she does mind she needs to know how proud you are of her. Kids will be kids.

I know exactly what you are talking about. It just seems that boys may be a little more agressive during that age. I just try to stick to the same routine in handling it as you normaly do. Whatever your method is, try your best not to give in.