Know How to Deal With Temper Tantrums With Your Children
Edited by Debbie, Charmed, Eng
When your 2 year old is upset and goes into a fit of screaming and stomping about. You may wonder, is my child normal? Does he act like this because of something I am doing wrong? There are different situations that can bring on temper tantrums. A parent could be talking on the telephone, or visiting with friends, and the child might feel like they are being ignored. This could happen at playtime, suppertime, and public places. These tantrums can be very embarrassing and difficult for the parent to handle. Will he ever stop doing it? You can help your two year old to change his or her behavior.
Why it happens?
Small children have partial experience in handling their emotions. That factor alone can lead to a random tantrum. Think about a change that a child experiences at the age of two. From the beginning of his being born, the parents provided for his every need. If they cry, the parent would come running. You are wondering if they are sick, maybe they need to be fed, or changed. The parents would do whatever they could to make things better. That was alright, because a baby fully depends on his parents.
At two years of age, a child begins to realize that his parents are catering to him less and less. Instead of them serving his needs, they expect them to obey their wishes. The child may not take well to this change without protest, possibly in the form of a tantrum. In time, a child will adapt to the fact that his parents are his instructors, they are not just there to be caretakers. In the meantime, they will try to test you and your patience with one tantrum after another.
What Can You Do?
- 1Your child is not a miniature adult. Not having much experience in dealing with his emotions, he may react more intensely when he is upset. Try to look at the situation through his eyes.Be understanding.
- 2If your child is having a tantrum, it will not help for you to shout or lose control. Try your best to ignore them when that is happening the best you can. Remembering why the tantrums occur can help you to stay calm.Stay Calm.
- 3If you give in to what your child demands, he will more than likely throw another tantrum the next time that he wants something. In a calm way, show your child you mean what you say.Hold your Ground.
- 4Don't expect the tantrums to go away overnight, especially if you have given your child reason to believe that his behavior will influence you. If you try to react properly, and with consistency, the tantrums will diminish. Then, eventually they will stop. You may feel tired and also want to give up, but don't! Being long suffering will pay off. Also, try the following:Be patient.
- When the tantrum begins, try to hold your child in your arms if at all possible without hurting him. Keep him from acting aggressively. Do not yell at your child, wait for the storm to pass. Usually they will realize that taking a tantrum has gotten them nowhere.
- Choose an area where you can put your child when he is having a tantrum. Tell him he can come out when he has decided to calm down.
- If your child acts this way in public, take him away from the view of other people. Don't give in just because he is making a spectacle. This will only leave your child with the message that by having a tantrum, he can get what he wants.
Prevention tips for tantrums
- 1For instance, you could ask them if they would like cookies or popcorn for a snack. Do they want to read a book before bed, or play a game? This makes them feel like they have a little control.Give your child choices to make.
Tips Tricks & Warnings
- If you feel you are having trouble coping with your child's behavior, seek a mental health care counselor for professional help and support.
- School community programs are available if your child is having psychological issues.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.