Does your child throw a tantrum every time you deny them fast food? Does she stomp her foot and scream at the top of her voice whenever she doesn’t get her way? This is a common scenario happening in most homes. At this point, parents usually give in because they are at a loss for an answer to the problem! If you are one of them, here are six practical ways to handle your child’s temper tantrums –
Give Positive Attention
When your child does something good praise them for it. It could be with a simple smile or a reassuring eye contact that builds their self-image. When you express how proud you are to see them at their best behaviour, they will gradually develop the habit of self-check.
Give Them Some Control
Children tend to throw tantrums when they feel insecure and have self-doubt. To help them with this, leave them the option to make small decisions for themselves – what juice they would like to have or the flavour of the ice-cream. By giving them the option to choose between brushing teeth before or after bath, you are not taking ‘No’ for an answer and earn their cooperation.
Keep Off-limit Objects Out of Sight
It is better to keep them out of sight than to deny their access. Even though it is easier to do so at home than outside, it reduces the struggle to a great extent. For example, choose scissors-free craft activities if the child is not ready to handle them safely.
Distract Them
Take advantage of your child’s short attention span by offering something more interesting like a game. Move the child to a different spot so they can see other unrelated things. Take them outside the house or into a different room. Start another action to replace the forbidden one.
Clear explanations in place of ‘No’
The easiest reason for not allowing something to a child is “Because I said so” but not the wisest. Children find it frustrating for both forbiddance and the apparent lack of reason for it. The aim is to make them understand why something is not good for them and how parents always do things for their well-being. They find it easier to comply with rules if they see the logic behind it.
Hold Your Ground
Be empathetic but firm when giving the explanations. After giving a satisfactory reason, do not back down. Your child needs to realise that throwing tantrums does not help in getting her way. So the next time she wants something, she will think better than throwing a tantrum.
Handling it the Right Way
As one of the top schools in the country, Winmore is familiar with various child behaviours and have effective strategies implemented to reduce the risk of child’s temper tantrums taking place. Our talented team of teachers handles students’ emotions in a healthy way, pays attention to possible triggers and diverts them from difficult situations. We believe in cultivating healthy attitude in our students and mould them into strong and positive individuals.