Dealing With Tantrums

It can be really embarrassing having to deal with your child throwing a tantrum when you are out in public. Dealing with tantrums comes with being a parent to toddlers, this continues till they are a bit older.

Tantrums range from whining and crying to screaming, kicking, throwing themselves on the floor, hitting and breath holding. They’re equally common in boys and girls. Tantrums are a normal part of child development; it’s not exclusive to certain kinds of kids. It’s the way young children show they are upset or frustrated; and most likely happens when children are tired; hungry, uncomfortable, can’t get something or do what they want.

Children with limited problem solving skills, or difficulty expressing themselves with words are more likely to express their anger through tantrums. Older children can learn to recognize when they are feeling upset or frustrated and figure out more acceptable ways to deal with their anger. 

A number of ways to deal with tantrums include;

Stay calm when tantrums happen, screaming at a child only makes it worse.

·     Pause before you attack, take a few deep breaths and a few seconds to decide how best  to handle the situation.

      Ignore the tantrum. Some tantrums are attention seeking.

       If you ignore your child and go about your business as usual, he will eventually give up, but make sure you take them away from unsafe situations.

·     Focus the child’s attention on something else. It could be giving them books with colourful illustrations, favorite piece of vegetable to nibble on or, having them watch a favorite TV show or educational DVD.

·     Do not give into their whims, stay consistent and teach your child how to control his frustrations and make him understand there are better ways to show his feelings.

·     Positive discipline plays an important role in tantrums. It is important to respond and teach kids the right way of communicating by showing a good example. They learn from you, they will handle situations the way you do.

Simple things to do, to avoid tantrums.

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• Give plenty of positive attention, especially when your child displays really good behavior. Reward with praise.

• Give children warnings before you end an activity. Warnings help children get ready to change activities and give them a chance to finish up what they were doing.

• Predictable meal and nap times are especially important. A tired, hungry child is only one step away from a tantrum.

• Observe children’s tantrums. Look for patterns in behavior that can give you clues about how to avoid tantrums.Consider requests carefully when your child wants something, instead of a constant NO all the time

Let’s remember that tantrums usually aren’t a major cause for concern and generally stop on their own. As kids mature, they gain self control!