Temper Tantrums:Stop Them in Their Tracks

We've all been there. You're out shopping with your toddler who seems to want everything within arm's reach. You lightly mutter the words "not this time honey" and within seconds you have a whirl wind going on in your shopping cart. Passer byes are giving you the eye (you want to give them the finger), and your toddler is screaming, falling to the floor, with body parts flailing everywhere! Here are a few simple solutions to stop temper tantrums in their tracks!


Be Consistent: Consistency is an essential key to modifying meltdowns. Set a daily routine for your child and try hard not to stray. Even a few moments off schedule can be enough to cause your child to go haywire. Consistency also means never giving in to tantrums. Children tend to remember the one time you did give versus the 12 times you didn't. Be sure your yes means yes and your no means no.

Be Private: When your child is in an uproar immediately guide him/her to a quite area ( a corner will work if you are in public) and wait. Allow your child to finish their tantrum before continuing activities.

Be Snub: Ignore your child's behavior. Do not look at your child as they have their meltdown. Paying attention to this behavior may cause the fit to last longer. Be sure to remain within eyesight.

Be Realistic: Toddlers do not yet have the sentence structure to express their wants and desires. This is one of the main reasons tantrums occur. They also have very short attention spans, making it critical to be conscious of the amount of time spent away from home.

Be Understanding: Talk to your child when he/she is upset. Let them know you understand they're frustration. Normalize their feelings by saying things like " I understand you are upset, when you stop crying, we can go outside." This helps ensure them that it is ok to be upset at times. Try not to make negative remarks when your child is having a tantrum, remember they are a normal part of early childhood.

Be Silly: Making a silly face or small tickle is a great way to redirect a tantrum before it is full blown. Getting a laugh can help your child forget why he was upset. You can also try redirecting your child's behavior by offering something else for them to do.

Be Diverse: Allow your child the freedom of choice. For instance holding out two shirts to choose from instead of just picking one for them to wear. Offering two items is a great start, several choices can be overwhelming to a small child.

Be Encouraging: Reward your child for learning to handle their tantrums. Use a Tantrum chart. Reward your child with stickers if he/she is able to shorten their tantrums or express themselves in a better way.

References
Center of Child & Family Services, Inc.