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A MUM has revealed her “genius” tip for stopping tantrums in their tracks while in a toy store.

Kristina Watts from Belfair, Washington, had endured several “painful” trips to toy shops with her daughter Emmie breaking down in tears when her mum denied her of a new play thing.

Kristina Watts claims that taking pictures of her daughter Emmie with the toys she wants, immediately ends any toy shop tantrums
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Kristina Watts claims that taking pictures of her daughter Emmie with the toys she wants, immediately ends any toy shop tantrumsCredit: Facebook

But Kristina claims she has found a way to stop the tears, and says that all you need to do is take a picture.

Posting on she said: “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.

The mum simply tells Emmie that she will send the picture to Santa so that he knows what she wants
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The mum simply tells Emmie that she will send the picture to Santa so that he knows what she wantsCredit: Facebook
Kristina has been praised by other mums for her advice
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Kristina has been praised by other mums for her advice

“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,” Kristina added.

The mum then explains her hack: “Take a picture. It’s that simple. 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,” Kristina urges.

Kristina says that it works every time and that Emmie will normally forget about the toy within minutes
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Kristina says that it works every time and that Emmie will normally forget about the toy within minutesCredit: Facebook

Mums were quickly 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.”

“I love this idea. How excited will they be when they open it thinking it’s from Santa,” raves another.

“This is genius! The girls love pictures too, so it serves as a distraction and then I never have to buy the outrageous toy!” adds one more.

This article was originally published on and has been republished with permission.

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