Temper tantrums is common among children. Some children may not express them though. It is characterised by screaming, kicking and other forms of uncontrollable behaviour. Children usually throw tantrums in public places.
Children throw tantrums when they can’t control their emotions or when they want to control the situation. Most children are overwhelmed by their emotions. They don’t know what to feel – anger, frustration or sadness. As a result, they scream and display wild behaviour. Moreover, some children throw tantrums in order to get what they want. This happens especially when parents turn down their requests to buy stuff or do something they like at the moment.
Prevention is better than cure – so goes the saying. Thus, the best way to deal with temper tantrums is to prevent it from ever happening. How? Start by observing your child. Is your child most like to lose control when she’s hungry, scared or tired? If hunger causes your child to throw tantrums, refrain from planning activities that will cause him to skip meals.
Frustrations precede tantrums. In this regard, help your child manage his expectations so that he will not throw tantrums in public. For example, before going to the mall explain to your child that you cannot buy him a toy he might like.
In connection to this, establish firm rules with your child. Tell him that no matter how loud he screams in public you will not give in to what he wants. Moreover, keep him busy with a task while you’re together. This will keep his attention away from tantrum-causing situations.
Finally, teach your child how to manage his feelings. Give real life situations and ask them what to do during those situations. Reward him whenever he’s able to manage his emotions and temper.
