| Temper tantrums are a normal
part of your toddler's development. They usually occur between the
ages 1 and 3, and lessen by age 4.
A tantrum is one way a child can express
himself/herself. He/she is not being bad.
|
| Why do tantrums
occur? |
They usually happen because a child is
frustrated, angry or frightened:
 | He/she is unable to explain his needs or feelings (he/she doesn't
know how to say it yet) |
| He/she is not getting his/her way |
| He/she can't fully understand what a grown-up is trying to say |
|
| Certain
conditions can lead to tantrums: |
| if he/she is hungry, tired or uncomfortable |
| if he/she is anxious, frustrated or sick |
|
| Preventing
tantrums from happening |
| Avoid things that will frustrate him/her. |
| Don't have him/her do stressful things when he/she is tired. |
| Don't let him/her get too hungry. Serve healthy snacks if
needed. |
| Pick your No's. Don't say no to everything snacks if needed. |
| Let him/her say what he/she is feeling if he/she is able.
Help him/her with the words. Give him/her your full attention. |
| Don't make too many plans for your toddler. Set up some
quiet time every day where you give him/her your individual
attention. |
|
| What to do for
your child during a tantrum |
Be alert to signs that your child is building
up to one. Try to interest him/her with a new activity or
toy. If the tantrum does happen:
| Remove him from the scene and go to a quiet spot. |
| Don't offer a reward for stopping the tantrum. |
| Watch him/her, especially if he/she is in the bathroom or
kitchen. He/she can hurt themselves easily when he/she is out
of control. |
| It's very important to be polite to him/her and not embarrass him
about it in front of others. |
| If the tantrum happens in a public place, never threaten to leave
him/her. Stay with him/her and help him/her calm down.
It might be best to go home. |
| Discuss it once he/she quiets down. Or review what happened
later when your child is happy again. |
|
| It can be ok to
ignore certain behavior like: |
| crying and screaming for attention |
| slamming doors, sticking out his/her tongue |
| pounding or kicking the floor (without hurting anyone or anything) |
|
| Don't ignore it
when your child: |
| tries to hurt him/herself, hurt you or others |
| throws things or damages your home |
| has tantrums in public places |
|
| What to do for
yourself |
| Don't punish, yell or spank. Keep your cool. |
| Be loving and firm. You are helping your child learn
self-control. Remind him/her: "use your words." |
| Set the rules for your household and stick to them. Make
sure other adults follow the same rules in your home. |
| Be clear and consistent about your rules. |
| Provide simple reasons for your rules. |
| If you get too frustrated, go somewhere quiet and take a time-out
for yourself for 5 minutes. |
Try not to be embarrassed when tantrums occur. They are normal
and not wrong. Over time they will diminish. Let your
children express themselves. It's normal for them to test your
rules and limits.
* This information is not a
substitute for professional medical care. Diagnosis and treatment
should be done only by your health care provider. For more information
contact your local health department or physician.
|
Temper Tantrums