How to Cure Your Child of Tantrums

A tantrum means a child is overwhelmed or is seeking control.

The thought of a tantrum, which is often an embarrassing event, can sometimes give parents shivers down their spines. Unfortunately, the way parents react is usually opposite of how they should. As adults, we often try to calm our children by speaking softly and trying to reason with the child. This rarely works and can actually create a bigger tantrum. Often the best way to thwart the tantrum is to react in a fashion that seems totally opposite of what feels right.

Instructions

1. 

   Let your child make some choices.

   Give your child a choice on subjects you know can lead to tantrums. Let her decide non-consequential issues like whether to wear sandals or tennis shoes, what to drink with breakfast and what to wear.

2. Keep errands and other activities short. Make a list of your activities and break them into areas of necessity. Errands that are all located in the same section of town can be accomplished in less time than those that require traveling longer distances. Children can only handle so much before they are tired and bored.

3. Distract your child before he starts a tantrum. Younger children often have tantrums, but they can be thwarted by merely redirecting the child to another toy, a sound or something else they find interesting. Keep a bag of distracting items on hand.

4. 

   Taking small moments with your child goes a long way.

   Pay attention to your child. Sometimes a tantrum is nothing more than a cry for the parent's attention. When we are busy for long periods of time, we tend to not recognize that we haven't spent time with our child. Taking small moments with our kids can help prevent tantrums.

5. Repeat your child's own words to her, over and over if necessary. Do it with equal intensity to hers, but without screaming. Echoing her words not only says you're paying attention, but also leaves her wondering what is being said and quiets the child. It may take several attempts, depending on the child's frustration level. Then, offer a distraction that will set her on another course.

Tips & Warnings

• When possible, it can be best to ignore a tantrum by just walking away. A tantrum is often used in a power struggle.

• When a child is having a tantrum, it is not unusual for him to throw himself to the floor, which could cause injury. If your child is prone to this behavior, be on guard.

References

• Empowering Parents: Stopping a Temper Tantrum in its Tracks: What to Do When Kids Lose it by Dr. Joan Simeo Munson
• Dr. Phil: How to Stop a Temper Tantrum in Seconds

Resources

• Kids Health: Avoiding Tantrums