Today our friend Monisha Iswaran from My Deal has shared with us some great tips for battling those temper tantrums.
5 Great Ways To Battle Temper Tantrums
By Monisha Iswaran
Let’s be honest, we all have moments in life where we feel like sinking to the floor for a much needed meltdown – so can we really blame our little ones from doing just that from time to time? Hardly. Honestly, sometimes you feel like screaming back, or getting all worked up yourself, particularly if you’re stressed from work or low on sleep. There are of course definitely better ways of dealing with the situation and 5 of them are listed below.
1) Have A ‘Grown Up’ Conversation
If you want your child to act like a grown up, sometimes you have to treat them like one. A tantrum usually occurs because of a particular incident, or words that triggered your little one into their downwards spiral – so find out what it was that set them off. Of course, some tantrums come about simply because your little one was tired, hungry or bored. However, it can never hurt to find out why they think they are crying and kicking up a fuss. By talking it through, they might realize there is no real reason for their frustration tears, and you may all simply end up having a giggle about it.
2) Distractions Are A Parent’s Best Friend
As a parent, it’s always handy to have distractions on hand, for anytime you are desperately running out of ways to change your child’s mood. It’s a great idea to have playthings and supplies with you at all times, especially when your kids are still little. Outdoor playsets are a great option for getting your kids out of their funk and putting smiles back on their faces. That way they get outside into the fresh air and play their problems away. Toys and games generally do the trick as well. You can browse discount dolls online, or find a selection of affordable, yet exciting toys that your kids will love. Having simple items they can play with on hand will be a lifesaver if you find yourself at a restaurant with a screaming child.
3) Don’t Give In!
There are of course those tantrums that take place in the store because your little munchkin has spied something they want, that you don’t think they need…. Or for another similar reason. Sometimes you just have to stick to your guns, as annoying and difficult as this can be, and wait out the wailing noises. Giving in and buying your child whatever they want is definitely not the solution, and is a step towards raising a demanding kid that believes they are entitled to whatever they want. Generally, if you’ve made an instinctual decision as a parent, it is probably the right one – so stick with it!
4) Prevention Tactics: Keep To A Routine
The best way to deal with a tantrum? Prevent one happening in the first place. This sounds close to impossible, but it isn’t! Many child psychologists have emphasised the benefits of keeping to a routine, in order to keep your child’s behaviour and moods under control. Having a systematic order to the day, keeping to similar bedtimes and having set amounts of TV times are all ways that you can regulate your little one’s life so that they aren’t thrown by dramatic changes to their schedule. This is bound to reduce the number of temper tantrums you have to deal with from day to day.
5) Dealing With Tempers: Get The Anger Out!
Some kids honestly do have problems with their temper, and tantrums aren’t just a one-off occasion. This is definitely a trait that is better recognised and dealt with at a young age – rather than allowing it to develop into a full blown problem later on in life. You should teach your little one safe ways of handling their outbursts of anger. For example, walking away as soon as they feel the anger rising, or engaging in regular physical activity to release pent up frustrations.
Remember, no matter the type of tantrum, or the reason why it was caused – there’s always a sensible way to a put a stop to it. Keep your cool, take a deep breath, remind yourself of your role as a parent and calmly deal with the situation. You can handle this!
