Who else dreads running the Christmas shopping gauntlet with the kids in tow? The stores, not surprisingly, cart out all their most tempting stock and showcase the most wanted toys all over the store. The “I Want, I Want’s” drive me crazy and invariably ends in some full-blown meltdown.

One mum had enough of the tantrums and has shared her hack that is resonating with parents all over the world.

Kristina Watts, from Washington in the US, shared her clever strategy on Facebook and it’s gone viral.

“Once again my camera roll is FULL of pictures of Emerson with every single thing she wants for Christmas. Why…because it’s the most amazing parenting hack ever and has stopped MANY meltdowns! If you aren’t using this hack…listen up friends,” Watts said in her post.

“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.”

So What is this miracle solution?

“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!’ Note: you can send it to Santa, grandma, TeeTee Stephanie or whoever it is you can pawn it off on. Totally up to you and can be different every time,” explains Watts.

“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. You’re welcome.”

Parents have responded enthusiastically to this suggestion, calling this “life changing” and “genius”!

“GENIUS!!! im gonna clear my memory for santas photos,” reads one comment.

“Omg. Why haven’t I seen this before??? Could have really used it before,” said another.

“I always do this and it works perfectly and helps me remember what they want,” one mum agreed.

The post has been shared over 52,000 times and has attracted more than 16,000 comments.

Would this meltdown preventative hack help in your family? Tell us in the comments below.