8 Tips For Tackling Tantrums

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Tantrums….these are the woes of motherhood.

I remember when my oldest hit 2 years old and the tantrums started in full force. Just a trip to the store or anywhere outside the comforts of our home was a test. He wasn’t a child that threw tantrums all of the time but you all can relate with me on the hesitation to take your little one out knowing it was a possibility. The looks from other people around you are enough to make you feel like you have a monster in your shopping cart. Of course the level of frustration goes up, you feel like everyone in the store knows you are the one with the screaming child and you are attempting patience to soothe the screaming. In those moments I remember wanting to and sometimes leaving the basket and making a bee line for the door as fast as possible. I am not alone right?

Tantrums are an experience of parenthood that really identify that moment when your child decides to see how far they can push. They want control and want to express their desires but really have no realistic way of showing it. Hence the tantrum. If your child feels like you are not giving them what they want or need you are going to hear about it.

Tantrums are normal and natural reactions that kids display. Your approach to tantrums is crucial in teaching your child self control and boundaries. You can use these 8 tips for tackling tantrums as a helpful guideline. (Make sure you check out all of our parenting tips while you’re here!)

how to stop a tantrum

8 Tips For Tackling Tantrums

1. Prevent a tantrum if possible. Don’t go out if your child seems stressed, hungry, or tired. If you skipped nap time that day you can guarantee yourself an overwhelming experience. So plain and simple don’t do it. If you are venturing out make sure it is coordinated with the mood your child is in if possible.

2. Keep yourself calm. In these moments of tantrum seizing it is easy to lose control and scream back or express your frustration. However, this only escalates the situation. Stay calm, deep breaths, and keep those emotions regulated.

3. Don’t underestimate the element of communication. This may seem a little silly but truthfully there are ways of diffusing a tantrum by simple explanations. Children have to understand their limits and boundaries. Explaining it to them so that they may understand is a great way to approach. Although, they may continue to scream or attempt to argue or whine it doesn’t change what you have already reiterated.

4. Do not give them what they want. Yes I am talking to those of you who are notorious for this one. Really it is much more simple to attack things with just giving them what they want but the long-term can be a disaster with your child knowing every time they throw a tantrum you will give in. Just screams entitlement.

5. Try a distraction. Sometimes kids throw tantrums to get your attention. Give a simple game a try like I spy or counting that will change their focus to something positive. Carry a favorite book or stuffed animal for these moments too.

6. Comfort your child. Sometimes tantrums are a need for comfort. Hold your child and hug them while also explaining your expectations and reiterating that they will not get what they want.

7. Remove them from the situation. Sure this means if you are in the grocery store and you are almost done and your 3 year old is screaming and thrashing like a wild banshee in the basket. You have tried everything it is time to leave. Frustrating I know, but at this point things have escalated which calls for a timeout and even a rest time. So plan to leave or remove your child from the situation when things have reached a peak.

8. Know what works best for you. This is simple if going straight to time out works best then that is the route you must take. Figuring out the underlying cause of upset is crucial especially when the tantrum is occurring over something daily. Nobody knows your child better than you do but hopefully these tips make conquering tantrums a little easier!

how to handle a tantrum

Have other tips not mentioned to help with tantrums? Share your thoughts.

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2 Comments

  1. You’re so right Crystal that coming to know your own child and adapting to what will work best for them is really key

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