How To Deal With Tantrums And Keep Your Sanity

May 27, 2023

Dealing with tantrums is one of the biggest challenges that parents face. Toddlers and young children often have meltdowns and tantrums, which can be frustrating and exhausting.

However, it’s important to understand that tantrums are a normal part of a child’s development, and they can be managed with patience, understanding, and effective strategies. In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips and tricks to help you deal with tantrums in a positive and effective way.

So How Do You Deal With A Tantrum?

Understand the triggers of tantrums.

It’s important to observe your child’s behavior and identify the triggers of their tantrums. Once you know what triggers your child’s tantrums, you can take steps to avoid or manage them.

The first step in learning how to deal with tantrums is to understand what triggers them. Children can have tantrums for various reasons, including hunger, fatigue, boredom, frustration, and overstimulation.

For example, if your child has a tantrum when they are hungry, make sure you have snacks or meals available at regular intervals. “Hangry” is a catchphrase for a reason and it can be affecting your toddler, or child more than you know. Keeping nutritious snacks, that are also filling, available to them can definitely help cure their hunger.

If your child has a tantrum when they are overstimulated, try to provide a calm and quiet environment to help them relax.

Stay calm and patient when trying to deal with tantrums.

Remember that tantrums are a normal part of a child’s development, and your child is not trying to be difficult. They are simply expressing their emotions and feelings in the only way they know how.

Validate your child’s feelings.

When your child is having a tantrum, it’s important to validate their feelings. Let them know that you understand how they feel, and that it’s okay to feel that way. Use phrases like “I know you’re feeling upset right now” or “It’s okay to feel angry.”

By validating your child’s feelings, you show them that you understand and care about them. This can help them feel more secure and reduce the intensity of their tantrum.

Use distraction techniques when trying to calm a tantrum.

Distraction techniques can be very effective in managing tantrums. When your child is having a tantrum, try to distract them with something else. This could be a toy, a book, or a game. You could also try changing the environment, such as going for a walk or playing outside.

The key is to redirect your child’s attention away from the trigger of their tantrum and onto something else. This can help them calm down and move past their tantrum.

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Use positive reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement can be a powerful tool in managing tantrums. When your child behaves well and doesn’t have a tantrum, make sure you praise and reward them. This could be a simple “good job” or a sticker chart.

Or when your child practices patience for something they were already throwing tantrums about, be sure to clap for them and say things like “Thank you for being patient.”

By using positive reinforcement, you encourage your child to behave well and reduce the likelihood of future tantrums.

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Set clear boundaries and consequences.

Children need clear boundaries and consequences to understand what is expected of them. When your child has a tantrum, it’s important to set clear boundaries and consequences for their behavior.

For example, you could say “I understand that you’re upset, but it’s not okay to hit” or “If you don’t stop screaming, we’ll have to go home.” This is when you have to actually follow through.

If they continue the action after giving a clear consequence as to what will happen next, then follow through with what they can expect to happen next. If they continue to scream, GO HOME!

By setting clear boundaries and consequences, you show your child that their behavior has consequences. This can help them understand what is expected of them and reduce the likelihood of future tantrums.

Use time-outs.

Time-outs can be an effective tool in managing tantrums. When your child is having a tantrum, gently remove them from the situation and place them in a time-out area. This could be a designated spot in the room or a separate room.

The key is to use time-outs as a way to give your child time to calm down and collect themselves. It’s important to explain to your child why they are in time-out and how long they will be there.

Seek professional help if necessary.

If your child’s tantrums are severe or persistent, it may be necessary to seek professional help. A pediatrician or a child psychologist can help you identify the underlying causes of your child’s tantrums and provide you with strategies to manage them.

Remember that tantrums are a normal part of a child’s development, and with patience and understanding, they can be managed effectively. By understanding the triggers of tantrums, staying calm and patient, validating your child’s feelings, using distraction techniques, using positive reinforcement, setting clear boundaries and consequences, using time-outs, and seeking professional help if necessary, you can help your child navigate this challenging phase of their development.

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In conclusion, dealing with tantrums can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that it’s a normal part of a child’s development. By using effective strategies and techniques, you can help your child manage their emotions and reduce the frequency and intensity of their tantrums.

Remember to stay calm and patient, validate your child’s feelings, use distraction techniques, use positive reinforcement, set clear boundaries and consequences, use time-outs when necessary, and seek professional help if necessary.

With these tips and tricks, you can help your child navigate this challenging phase of their development and emerge stronger and more resilient.