It may be way too soon to be thinking about Christmas time at the minute, but we’re certain you’ll want to etch this simple hack onto your brain - and tell all your friends with kids about it too.
This ‘genius’ tip which has other parents astounded and baffled in an equal measure apparently stops cranky children from going into full melt-down mode when they spot toys they want.
A Mum named Kristina Watts from Belfair, Washington, has endured several ‘painful’ trips to toy shops in the past, with her daughter Emmie having serious meltdowns when her mum said no to her getting a new plaything.
But Kristina claims she has found a way to stop the tears - and all you need to do is take a picture.
She posted on Facebook saying: “Our trips to the store used to be a lot more painful this time of year. Toys are out in full force...and of course, my kids want it all.
“Obviously, I would love to have sweet, well mannered, non-greedy, chill kids that don’t ask for all the things...but I don’t. So, drop your judgement Karen, and stop reading if you have kids like that.
“Now...if you have kids like mine...that want the shiny amazing things that fill Target, the grocery store, Office Depot, the gas station, and pretty much everywhere you go this time of year, this is for you.”
The mum told Kidspot that you just need to take a picture - it’s that simple.
She said: “Pause for a second, comment on the thing they’re pointing out, and say: ‘Let’s take a picture with it and send it to Santa so he knows you want it!’
“Magically, Emmie smiles, says cheese, asks to see the picture, then puts the toy down and walks away.
“It’s magical. No tears. No tantrums (by either of us). And she forgets about all of them within minutes.
“Maybe you’ve been doing this for ages, and you selfishly didn’t share this tip with me...or maybe you’re like me and this is about to rock your world. For real, try it friends.”
Parents were seriously impressed with the hack with one adding: “It couldn’t come a moment sooner because I was about to lose my sanity in the stores.”
One mum commented: “This is genius! The girls love pictures too, so it serves as a distraction and then I never have to buy the outrageous toy!”
Another parent said: “I love this idea. How excited will they be when they open it thinking it’s from Santa.”
Do you have a tip to share? We want to hear all about it. Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk
