7 Tips on Dealing with Your Child's Tantrums ...

Alison Oct 1, 2013

Every parent finds dealing with your child's tantrums stressful and difficult. Sometimes it seems as though the "terrible twos" will go on forever, as every outing sees your little darling causing you public embarrassment. So if you're tempted to join them next time they throw a screaming fit, try these tips on dealing with your child's tantrums …

1. Ignore

Sometimes, the best method of dealing with your child's tantrums is to ignore them. If they're doing it to get attention, getting annoyed with them can give them the attention they want. Either leave them quietly until the tantrum has passed, or take no notice of their behavior.

2. Distract

Another tactic is to try distracting them so that they forget all about their tantrum. Offer them something to play with, try tickling them, or point out something for them to look at. With any luck, they'll become engrossed in something new and forget whatever caused their tantrum.

3. Keep Your Temper

Even the most patient parent can be pushed to their limits by a stroppy child. However much you get riled, hang on to your temper. It won't help if you shout at them, and may even teach them that throwing a tantrum gets attention. Shouting is also going to set a bad example - you want your child to learn that screaming and yelling is not acceptable.

4. It's Normal

Sometimes it really isn't bad behavior that causes a child to have tantrums. Small children lack the vocabulary to express their feelings, and have yet to learn that they can't always have what they want. So don't punish them for not understanding. With an older child you can reinforce the idea that temper tantrums aren't acceptable, but again without punishment.

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5. Avoid Triggers

Certain situations often trigger a child's tantrums, so try to work out what causes your child to get upset. It may be something obvious like getting tired, so avoid taking them out when they need a nap. Or it may be a less obvious factor, such as a sound that upsets them. Identifying the problem allows you to work around it and reduces the chance of your child getting upset.

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6. Praise Good Behavior

Although you should teach a child that bad behavior is not acceptable, don't focus solely on what they shouldn't be doing. Positive reinforcement is just as important. Tell your child when you're pleased with his behavior and make a fuss of him. Show him that being good gets results he'll enjoy.

7. Time out

Finally, there are times when as a parent you just need time out from tantrums. Put your child somewhere he'll be safe and leave him to work the feelings out of his system. It'll be good for both of you, as you avoid getting stressed and he has time to calm down. Children can feed off your irritation, and things just get worse.

A screaming toddler in the throes of a full-blown temper tantrum can be enough to try the patience of a saint. Children often seem to pick the most public places to have a tantrum, which leads to plenty of disapproving looks from people who have forgotten what a challenge parenting can be. It'll take time to train your child out of having tantrums, but it can be done. What was the most embarrassing thing your child has said or done?

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I'm sorry, but timeouts never works in my experience. Spanking are 100 proof

We'll your child is gonna be and I'm sorry for my language but there most likely going to grow to be a real bitch and it's your fault

There are actually two types of tantrums that children have. One is manipulative, where the child throws a fit to manipulate the parent, in which case ignoring is the best option. There are also emotional tantrums, which are best addressed by coming up with a mutual solution, or if there is no solution, letting the child know that you understand why they're upset and then comforting them. I'm taking a parenting class right now at school :P

My parents spanked me all the time. Spare the rod spoil the child? It's a proverbs for a reason!

I tell my kid it's going to rain and I sprinkle water on her, but now just saying it's going to rain makes her get up super fast lol

Every parent has different methods on dealing with there own child/children, fact is some children might have problems for having tantrums, I know I don't tap my child hand as they no when mummy gives them a look then they need to stop :)

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