Skill 18-1
Bringing the toddler into a partnership
You may have thought of something different from my reaction. The most obvious commonality to me is that you are both shopping. You are both going to the store to look at things to make a purchase. The purchase may be yours alone, but the toddler doesn't understand that, even if you told him before you left. His memory is probably not as great as you might expect. He's old enough to know that you are going to a place where things are available. At three, he's old enough to understand fundamental consumerism.
So, you can say, "Yes, we are here shopping together. I need to get something, you want to get something too. Of course you do."
Now the child's anger may be too great for him to listen well. Even so, we can hope your comment registers.
I would like to say that such a comment would immediately cause the child to stop and smile, basking in your understanding and wisdom. Not likely. But it's a start. Finding something to agree with does not mean that you declare the other person a winner. You may not buy what the toddler wants. Even so, the concept of partnership is emphasized, and you are looking beyond your anger.