Tantrums are a normal part of childhood development. They typically start around the age of 18 months and peak around the age of 3. By the age of 5, most children have learned how to express their emotions in a more appropriate way.
However, tantrums can be frustrating for both parents and children. They can be loud, disruptive, and embarrassing. And they can be difficult to know how to deal with.
This article will provide some tips on how to deal with tantrums in a thoughtful and effective way.
1. Stay calm.
The first and most important thing to do when your child is having a tantrum is to stay calm. It can be difficult, but it’s important to model the behavior you want to see in your child. If you become angry or frustrated, it will only make the tantrum worse.
2. Identify the cause of the tantrum.
Once you’ve stayed calm, try to identify the cause of the tantrum. Is your child tired, hungry, or frustrated? Are they feeling overwhelmed or out of control? Once you know the cause, you can start to address it.
3. Offer choices.
If your child is having a tantrum because they want something they can’t have, try offering them a choice. For example, if they’re throwing a fit because they want a cookie before dinner, you could say, “Would you like a banana or an apple instead?” This gives your child a sense of control and helps them to feel heard.
4. Distract your child.
If your child is having a tantrum that you can’t seem to address, try distracting them. This could involve taking them to a different room, giving them a new toy, or singing a song. Sometimes, all it takes is a little distraction to help your child calm down.
5. Ignore the tantrum.
In some cases, the best thing to do is to ignore the tantrum. This is especially true if your child is having a tantrum for attention. If you ignore the tantrum, your child will eventually learn that tantrums don’t get them what they want.
6. Set limits.
It’s important to set limits for your child, even when they’re having a tantrum. This doesn’t mean that you have to be harsh or punitive. But it does mean that you need to be consistent and clear about what behavior is acceptable.
7. Talk to your child about tantrums.
Once your child has calmed down, it’s a good idea to talk to them about tantrums. Explain to them that tantrums are not an appropriate way to express their emotions. Help them to identify other ways to express their feelings, such as talking, drawing, or playing.
8. Teach your child coping skills.
There are a number of coping skills that you can teach your child to help them deal with their emotions in a more appropriate way. These skills include deep breathing, counting to ten, and taking a break.
9. Build your child’s self-esteem.
Children who have high self-esteem are less likely to have tantrums. Help your child to build their self-esteem by praising them for their accomplishments, giving them responsibilities, and teaching them how to set goals.
10. Get support.
If you’re struggling to deal with tantrums, don’t be afraid to get support. Talk to your child’s pediatrician, a therapist, or another parent who has been through the same thing.
Conclusion
Tantrums are a normal part of childhood development. But they don’t have to be a source of stress for you and your child. By following the tips in this article, you can learn how to deal with tantrums in a thoughtful and effective way.
Additional Tips
- Be consistent. It’s important to be consistent with your expectations and consequences. This will help your child learn what is and is not acceptable behavior.
- Be patient. It takes time for children to learn how to manage their emotions. Be patient and understanding, and don’t give up.
- Have fun. Don’t forget to have fun with your child. Tantrums can be stressful, but they should also be an opportunity to connect with your child and teach them important life skills.