Tips To Handle Temper Tantrums In Young Children

Most parents find it very difficult to deal with the temper tantrums of their young children; it would be easier to handle tantrums once parents know the reason for the temper tantrum. They could be out of frustration or fatigue, attention seeking or demanding behavior; when we respond to the different temper tantrums with the right response we can easily help the child gain control.

Young as well as older children could throw temper tantrums because they are frustrated or tired; the best approach to this is positive parenting by offering encouragement and understanding. However it is necessary to note that this encouragement and understanding has to come before the child loses his/her control and reaches the point of no turning back. Try to empathize with the child and offer help; praise for trying and not giving up could also help curb the tantrum till before it turns into a full blown one.   

A child could also throw tantrums to seek attention or to demand; these tantrums could involve more violent behavior like kicking, slamming a door, hitting, or even breath-holding. This sort of tantrums could take place in private or public; in public remove him/her from the public place. If he is too big to be lifted, just avoid giving the child attention by moving to another room.

It is futile to reason out with a child that has a temper tantrum to seek attention; just keep quiet and leave him/her alone till one cool down.  Avoid giving in because your main object should be to teach the child good behavior and that he/she cannot get what one wants by the tantrum. Once the child behaves well, you could occasionally reward this behavior without communicating that rewards would always be used for controlling the child’s outbursts.

Temper tantrums for young children and toddlers could be really scary and it would help if they are held until they relax. School-age children would be better off when they are left alone, while tantrums could be very embarrassing for older children and they may not like to talk about it later. However it would help to have an empathetic but firm discussion to problem solve how your child can avoid similar out-of-control behavior in the future.

Here are a few ways by which you can avoid temper tantrums in children: 

Children may throw tantrums to get attention; it would help to try getting into the habit of rewarding children when they are good for a positive behavior.

Give the child control by offering choices; like you could give the choice to the child to choose orange or apple juice at the grocers. Avoid the possibility of a tantrum by disappointment by making sure you set the parameters of negotiation ahead of time as well to avoid protracted public discussion.

It is best that you have appropriate expectations from your children; avoid taking them to places that involve waiting time or where children are supposed to be quiet or sit still for a long time. Also realize that hungry and tired children are more prone to tantrums, so ensure you always provide them time for rest and snacks on a periodic basis. Older children could be expected to assume some responsibility for their decisions; including how they spend their time and their money.

Following these tips would be very useful to handle temper tantrums in children.