Dealing with Temper Tantrums

09/08/2014

Guest Blog Written By Monkey See Monkey Do

Young children throw temper tantrums quite often and unfortunately it’s not always easy to tell why. Maybe it’s because they want something from you, they’re frustrated and unable to  communicate, or simply tired.  It can be embarrassing at the time but we have to remember it happens in every family. Here are some RECE recommended tips for defeating an episode with ease.

Do

• Let your child know where they are going before you leave the house and what your expectations for them are.
• Gently remind what the consequences for an outburst are, and if you need to, enforce those consequences.
• Remove the child from the public space when possible. This will draw attention away from you and leave the two of you to work it out one on one.
• Give your child the opportunity to explain how they are feeling and why. This will help them problem solve decrease the possibility of further public tantrums.

Don’t

• Get upset and yell at your child. This is not calming for them and will not resolve the situation.  Instead both of you will be yelling and screaming.
• Pretend that you don’t know your child. RECEs often see parents take this method with no success. The child then feels abandoned which can cause further distress.
• Make promises you will not follow through with and do not promise rewards like candies and toys to calm the situation.