| Almost nothing is more frustrating for a parent than | | | | Also, be aware of any nearby objects that the child |
| toddler tantrums. Tantrums are both exhausting to | | | | could get into their hands during their tantrum. They |
| manage and embarrassing when preformed in public. | | | | may be tempted to throw things to express their |
| When a toddler's temper begins to rage the only thing | | | | displeasure. Try to make these adjustments calmly |
| most parents can think about is getting it to stop and | | | | and, preferably, silently. Oftentimes just talking to a child |
| QUICK. It can be very helpful to know beforehand that | | | | in the throes of a temper tantrum can be fuel for the |
| these tantrums, especially from younger children, | | | | fire. |
| usually don't have to do with rebellion. These | | | | 3) Don't Try To "Fix" It Or Coax With Rewards |
| embarrassing fits have more to do with the fact that | | | | This is not the time to give in, no matter how |
| children do not posses the brain processes to handle | | | | embarrassing this behavior might be. If you decide to |
| intense emotions like disappointment or anger. The only | | | | give in and offer them the disputed item to try to stop |
| thing they know to do with these feelings is to let them | | | | the fit you may be teaching them that tantrums are |
| all out. So what can you do if you child has a | | | | the key to getting what they want. Now is the time to |
| break-down? | | | | stand firm in you original decision. Stay as calm and |
| 1) Calm Yourself First | | | | gentle as possible but remain firm until they can calm |
| You will be better able to handle the situation if you are | | | | themselves. |
| as calm as possible. If both of you are giving in to | | | | 4) Don't Get Dragged In |
| temper tantrums the battle of the wills will continue | | | | Remember that kids aren't fully capable of controlling |
| escalate. Be sure your child is physically safe, then | | | | their emotional impulses until much later. Some studies |
| take a few moments to walk away. If you can't get | | | | have shown that it isn't until age 20 that our brains are |
| away, like when you are in public, try closing your eyes | | | | fully capable of emotional restraint. Try to be |
| for a second and breathing deeply. Yes, I know it feels | | | | understanding rather than angry about your child |
| like to world is scrutinizing the scene but better to | | | | intense emotional battle. However, be sure to |
| pause for a few seconds to regain your composure | | | | communicate to them that this behavior is not going to |
| than to get into a screaming match with you child! | | | | get them what they want. Try walking away if you |
| 2) Provide Safety And Damage Control | | | | are home and they are safe. Continue on with your |
| Your child's safety, and everyone else's, is the first | | | | business until they regain their composure. Then you |
| thing you should see to. You may need to move your | | | | can deal with the situation in more detail. |
| child to a safer location or into a more private corner. | | | | |