Temper tantrums are an outburst of anger and frustration. One of the most stressful and frustrating things that parents have to face sometimes with their children is their temper tantrums. These can be in the form of throwing things, kicking, and screaming.
Toddlers have big emotions but they don’t have the ability to understand and manage them. These temper tantrums can be caused by something that has been bothering your child over time.
- Distract your child
The most important factor to make your child remain away from these tantrums is to distract the child. Make him forget the reason why he is behaving in this manner
- Talk softly
In a situation when the child is showing his tantrums, maintain your calm. Talk politely and softly to him and ask him what he wants.
- Stay with your child
The child in such a situation requires attention so parents must stay with the child in order to make him feel safe and secure.
- Offer physical engagement
Make physical contact with the child by cuddling and hugging him and by letting him know and ensuring him that he will get what he needs.
- Ask what’s wrong
Kids just want to be heard and throwing a tantrum is the best way they can express themselves. Be a good listener and ask them what is wrong by giving them full attention.
- Don’t lose your own temper
Parents are role models for their children so it is quite important that the parents must not lose their temper and try to be patient and maintain their calm.
- Spend quality time
Parents must spend quality time with their children in spite of their busy schedules. When they spend quality time they give them a shared experience that helps the children keep calm. They are able to control their emotions.
- Positive environment
Maintain a positive environment in the surroundings. Give a clear explanation and help the child feel more comfortable.
- Prevent tantrums before they appear
Parents should take all possible steps to prevent these temper tantrums before they appear
Use HALT to prevent them:
- H-hunger
- A-anger
- L-lonely
- T-tired
If the kid is hungry give them their desired food, If angry try to make him happy, if lonely give him the desired company, if tired give him the required sleep and rest. It is much easier to access their logical thinking to prevent temper tantrums than to put them out once they stay.
The most important goal is to teach socially appropriate things to express their feelings. By teaching kids healthier ways to express them, we are giving them lessons to use throughout their lives.