Taming Those Tantrums

Tantrums are one of the most frustrating obstacles that many parents face. The kicking and screaming, stares from other moms, and the feeling of helplessness can leave parents in a state of humiliation. There are several ways to prevent an outburst once you know what triggers them.

Children can become very aggravated when it is time to go to bed. Even though they may be tired, oftentimes kids are not willing to stop what they are doing to rest. Establish a bedtime routine. Follow the same procedure every night so that your child can create a habit of getting ready for bed at the proper time. Your little one may just want to spend extra time with you if she is fussy at night. After putting her to bed, read a story or just have "talk time" to discuss your day.

Kids love to sit in front of the television for as long as they can. Parents know it can be tough to pull a youngster away from their cartoons. Tell your child ahead of time when you will be changing activities. She will be less likely to feel as though she is being told what to do. Encourage good behavior by giving her recognition for good manners. Once your child has done as told, express your happiness. Tell her how proud you are that she listened.

Going into any store can be difficult when you have children. Most kids find a million different things they want on every aisle. If possible, keep away from areas of the store that may cause a tantrum to occur. When your child asks for something, try to avoid saying no directly. Parents can often come to a compromise with their kids. Offer something that may cost less by pointing out how much fun they could have with it. Point out the disadvantages of the more expensive item. Before you enter the store, tell your child what is expected. Tantrums occur less when children are given a heads-up.

As soon as a tantrum begins, the first thing you should do is find the source of anger. Tantrums can be initiated by many different things. The most common triggers are boredom, hunger, and pain. However, even the most well-mannered child will occasionally have a meltdown. Always check to make sure your child is not in any dangerous situation when a tantrum breaks out.

All tantrums can not be prevented. Sometimes the best thing a parent can do is to ignore the sudden occurrence. Many children just want a reaction. They want their feelings to be acknowledged. Let your child know that you understand her frustration. Avoiding tantrums is not always possible, but good communication can usually calm those little ones down.