Tantrums

To handle a child having a tantrum is often tricky because we, as parents, have to control our own anger to make the tantrum stop fast, which isn’t always easy, especially when the tantrum happens in a public place. Be aware that every parent can learn how to stop a tantrum permanently by doing the right things and saying the right words. To help you dealing with tantrums, here are 10 easy steps you can take :

1. Remain calm. Control your anger.

2. Never give in. If you said no, stick to this answer, no matter what.

3. Be sure to go out with your child only when he has eaten and rested. A need that isn’t met is often the cause of a tantrum.

4. Say to your child that you understand his frustration or anger. Be compassionate and give an alternative option. If you child doesn’t want it, fair enough, he’ll have nothing at all. Dealing with tantrums takes firmness and understanding.

5. When the tantrum starts, show things to your child in order to distract him and offer to do a different thing. Help him focus on something else than what bothers him at the moment. React fast before your child becomes out-of-control.

6. Consider that your child probably just needs your attention, a reassuring cuddle. Try to soothe him by hugging him. Your presence and tenderness can make him stop and understand you love him even when you say “no”.

7. After the tantrum, at the end of the day, when your child is quietly playing or before kissing him goodnight, discuss his tantrum with him. Speak softly and explain that you can’t accept his behaviour but that you love him and will be glad to go shopping with him again if he acts differently.

8. Reward a good behaviour. In the long run, it will help you dealing with tantrums as they’ll be less frequent and more controllable. You have to make your child understand he has much more to gain with a good behaviour than with a bad one.

9. When a tantrum occurs in a public place, just leave with your child. It’ll show him that his tantrums have real consequences.

10. Legitimize his feelings of frustration and anger and tell him you feel the same sometimes but you always choose to express them with words and that he can make that same choice.

Dealing with tantrums is mostly about self-control and good communication!

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