Dealing with tantrums

Tantrums are a normal part of child development. They occur when a child is developmentally unable to express their wants and needs. This coupled with a strong need to explore and be independent can be a recipe for frustration in your child.

Tips for dealing with tantrums:

· Try to stay calm when dealing with a child who may be kicking, screaming, throwing or hitting.

· Do not try to reason with or use distraction with a child in the middle of a tantrum. The more attention you give this behaviour the longer the tantrum will last.

· Distract yourself during the tantrum by doing something else. Keep your child in sight but ignore their behaviour.

· Wait for the tantrum to subside then return your attention back to your child. Praise your child for calming down then engage your child in a new activity ASAP.

· No matter how long a tantrum lasts do not give in or try to negotiate as this will lead to escalating tantrums in future.

· When a child is feeling out of control they need to see a parent/carer is in control. So do not shout and stay calm.

· If a child’s tantrum escalates to hitting or breaking things use time out as a consequence.

· When the tantrum is over think about why the tantrum occurred. Was your child hungry or tired? Can this be pre-empted in future? Is your child having a tantrum because they cannot have something they want? They may be grappling with control or developing        independence. In these cases try to offer choice when possible.

Remember children will stop having tantrums once they develop self regulation skills.

Choose your battles, keep your battles for the most important    issues.