Of the many challenging aspects of motherhood, the one that’s probably the most difficult one to handle is temper tantrums in kids. As a mother of four, I’ve had my share of dealing with temper tantrums, although each child is different and displayed their tantrums in their unique way. I’ve had to deal with toddler meltdowns and even a few tantrums with the teenagers. If you’ve got a whiner too who creates a scene every time things don’t go his way- remember this- you’re certainly not alone.
Keep on reading to discover some of the most effective tips that I’ve used over the years to tackle those tantrums like a pro!
Comfort
This may sound counterintuitive, but comforting your kid when they’re throwing a tantrum can actually positively affect them. Remember that the aim is to calm them- not get them to be quiet. Don’t give in to their demands- just hold them close, give them a hug or a cuddle. This simple act should help calm your little one down like magic. It has worked miracles for me and can for you too.
Don’t Try To Calm
This one may seem a tad bit difficult, but make sure you are not in a hurry to calm them down. Don’t ignore them either- just observe silently without reacting. Eventually, they will calm down by themself. Also, give your child some space to let their anger out – in the hustle of getting them to ‘behave,’ don’t try to stifle their emotions.
Be Soft
The fundamental rule to follow when handling temper tantrums in children is never to lose your calm. Easier said than done, right? Make sure you never yell back at your kid, even if they’re having a full-blown tantrum in the middle of a shopping mall- be calm and soft in your approach at all times.
Praise!
Offer praise to your kid often- whenever they behave politely, do something they haven’t done before, etc. This will motivate them to do better, and you’ll notice a lot fewer incidents of temper tantrums.
Create A Diversion
Distracting your little one is an excellent way to control those temper tantrums. Kids tend to have a very short attention span, and you can actually use that to your benefit. Get them interested in a story or a little visual game, and before you know it, the temper tantrum is gone!
Be A Good Role Model
Kids learn a lot from their parents- everything that you do, they pick up. Make sure you, too, are a calm and composed individual and that you don’t get all cranky and irritated when things don’t go your way. Set a good example for your kids.
Communicate
Keep the lines of communication with your kid open. Often, because parents are too busy with themselves, kids tend to throw tantrums to get attention. Make it a point to talk to your child every day, play with them and connect with them on a deeper level.
I hope these tips will help you on your parenting journey. Remember, we’re all in this together.
