There’s nothing like a peaceful family walk to remind you that toddlers are tiny agents of chaos wrapped in Velcro sneakers they refuse to wear. Olivia Munn just confirmed what most moms already know: no matter how idyllic the weather, parenting in public is a full-contact sport.
The actor and mom of two took to Instagram to share a wildly relatable meltdown moment that started with a sunny stroll through New York City—and ended with her 3-year-old son, Malcolm, walking more than a mile home in nothing but his socks. (Meanwhile, she carried 7-month-old Matthew strapped to her body and the emotional weight of all of it.)
“I’m posting this for all the parents who thought it would be great to take advantage of the beautiful weather and took their toddler on a walk,” she wrote. “Only for them to lie down screaming on the floor of Whole Foods, run through the aisles of CVS screaming ‘I don’t like anyone!!’ and knock over your iced tea before your first sip…”
If you’ve ever had a toddler stage a protest mid-aisle or watched your coffee dreams get dashed by a tiny, flailing arm, congratulations—you’re in the club. We have stains on our clothes and very strong quads.
And just when you think the chaos might be over, Olivia drops the kicker: Malcolm—powered by preschooler persistence and strong opinions—refused to wear shoes on the way home.
“And in a moment which I can only describe as total exhaustion, I said okay,” she confessed. “So we walked over a mile home with only socks… through every street in NY.”
This is where seasoned parents everywhere nodded in unison. Because sometimes, the choice isn’t between yes and no—it’s between total meltdown or minor sock damage. And on that day? Sock damage won.
Related: The ‘mental health walk’ that wasn’t: this mom’s viral tiktok is our collective parenting nightmare
How to keep your cool when your toddler loses theirs
Olivia’s story is a perfect reminder tha meltdowns aren’t a parenting failure—they’re a developmental milestone. Toddlers are learning how to process big feelings with still-developing brains. When a public meltdown hits, here’s what Motherly experts suggest:
1. Get low and connect
If your toddler’s screaming in the snack aisle, kneel to their level and speak calmly. Eye contact can signal safety—and it helps them co-regulate with your energy.
2. Label their feelings, even if it seems obvious
Try: “You’re upset because I said no to more snacks. That’s hard.” Naming the emotion helps toddlers feel seen, and builds their emotional vocabulary over time.
3. Offer simple choices
When everything feels out of control, toddlers need something to say “yes” to. Try: “You can hold my hand or ride in the cart—what do you choose?”
4. Protect your peace
Yes, people may stare. Let them. Your calm response matters more than their opinion. You don’t owe anyone a performance.
5. Debrief later—when they’re regulated
Once you’re home and everyone’s calm, circle back. Say: “That walk felt tough today. Thanks for trying. Next time, maybe we can try something different.”
If you loved this, don’t miss our coverage of Olivia Munn’s postpartum journey—where she opens up about surrogacy, healing, and learning to trust herself again after motherhood.
Related: Parenting coach shares BRILLIANT tips for preventing a toddler meltdown when it’s time to go