Controlling Temper Tantrum

1.     Prevention is key

Tantrums in toddlers are generally caused by boredom, hunger or exhaustion. Be smart, and avoid taking your kiddos out in public before mealtime or naptime.  If you must, bring healthy snacks and plenty of toys/books to keep them busy.

 2. Remove your child from the situation

If you are out and about and your child is having a total meltdown in a public location, pick up your child up and leave, showing them their behavior is unacceptable.  Stay calm and DO NOT GIVE IN by giving them what they want.  Simply, make your way home and once there, hold them closely until they have calmed down. Then you can discuss their behavior and how they should and should not act.

3. Do the UNEXPECTED

Take note: Motion changes emotion. Instead of yelling at your child when they act up, remain calm and start another activity, like dancing or jumping jacks. This will freak your child out and totally distract them. You're not giving attention to the tantrum; you're shifting the focus elsewhere.

4. Be Empathetic

Understand your child is EXTREMELY frustrated and is simply acting out. If you calmly address the issue they are having, you could cut their tantrum time in half. If you yell, scream and lose control emotionally, you are only teaching your child that tantrums are the correct response when we are faced with challenging circumstances.

5. Have a Sense of Humor

Keep things in Perspective!  If your kid if screaming bloody murder because their favorite Mickey Mouse socks are dirty, don’t lost it! No need to stress out over SOCKS! 

6. Tantrums are NORMAL

Even though they can be extremely irritating, tantrums are a normal part of healthy toddler development. If your kid starts kicking and screaming at the grocery store, know it is absolutely normal and not a reflection of poor parenting skills.