TANTRUMS
and how to avoid them - Part 2

Tantrums are a normal part of child development. Toddlers are testing the boundaries and asserting their independence. How should you deal with it once a tantrum has started?

Top Tips

• Stay calm. Do not become angry yourself, shout or threaten punishment - it's like adding fuel to the fire. It will not help your child.
  
  
• Try not to worry about what other people think. When your child is kicking and screaming in the middle of the supermarket it can feel like other people are judging you and thinking: "Look at that bad parent." Try not to worry. Anyone who has been a parent will understand. It is more than likely that they will be feeling sympathetic.
  
  
• Do not try to reason with your child once a tantrum has started. They will not be able to listen.
  
  
• Be strong. Do not give in to a tantrum or offer your child a bribe such as sweets to get them to stop. This quick fix will only increase the likelihood of a tantrum happening again.
  
  
• Walk away and busy yourself with something else. Make sure that your child is safe first. If you are in public, make sure you keep them in your sight. Do not reward the tantrum with attention.
  
  
• When they calm down, give them a hug, reassure them that you love them and get on with your day.

Even though tantrums are a normal stage of development, it can be tough when you have to deal with them. Try thinking of them as an opportunity for your child to learn new skills and self-control. Soon they will be a distant memory. However, if they are frequent and severe or continue past the age of five, I would recommend that you seek help.