Do you yell at your child when they throw a tantrum or do you start to punish them? It is normal to feel frustrated when your child throws a tantrum, especially when you are in the middle of important work. Tantrums are a natural part of a child's development and can occur for various reasons. However, knowing how to handle these situations calmly and effectively is crucial for both the child's emotional well-being and the parent's sanity. In this article, our experts list some valuable parenting tips on how to act if your child throws a tantrum.
Tips To Handle Tantrums Of Your Child
Dr Shilpa Dinesh BK, Paediatrician, Apollo Cradle and Children’s Hospital, Rajajinagar said that dealing with a child’s tantrum can be challenging. Here are some steps you can take when your child throws a tantrum.
Stay Calm
Dr Dinesh said that yelling at the child during a tantrum can only worsen the situation. The child mimics the parent by yelling back. Take deep breaths and remind yourself that tantrums are a normal part of a child’s development. Also, the parent should make sure that the child is in a safe environment and does not harm themselves.
Offer Comfort
Sometimes, children just need reassurance that you are there for them, so teaching them how to label their emotions will be beneficial.
Prepare For Transitions
Prepare them in advance for a change in their routine. Distract or redirect attention when they are showing tantrums.
Maintain Consistent Boundaries
Make it clear what behaviour is acceptable and what is not, but this should be taught calmly and assertively.
Also Read: Mind Your Kid’s Mind! 6 Parenting Tips To Improve Your Child's Mental Health, As Per Expert
Ignore Attention-Seeking Behaviour
By not reinforcing the tantrum with attention, the behaviour may diminish over time.
Teach Coping Strategies
Help children develop age-appropriate techniques like deep breathing or counting to manage their emotions.
Dealing With Tantrums While Shopping
Some children throw tantrums during shopping. In such cases, stay calm and keep shopping trips as short as possible. Try to involve your child in the shopping process.
Reflect And Learn
After the tantrum subsides, take a moment to reflect on what triggered the situation, preventing these triggers might help mitigate future tantrums.
Dr Pawan Kumar, Senior Consultant Pediatrics MBBS, MD, Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Delhi said, “Managing tantrums can be a demanding task, but there are effective strategies that can help handle these situations more efficiently. It is important to remain calm and composed, even if your child's tantrum is frustrating, as tantrums are a normal part of child development. Also, validating the child's feelings and demonstrating empathy can foster a stronger bond between parent and child. If your child's tantrum is escalating, try redirecting their attention to something else. Offer a favourite toy, engage them in a different activity, or start a conversation about something they enjoy."
Also Read: The Emotional Atmosphere: Impact Of Parental Stress On Children’s Mental Health
Message From The Experts
Dr Kumar added, “Remember each child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It may take time and patience to find the most effective strategies for managing your child's tantrums. If you find that the tantrums are frequent, intense, or interfering with your child's daily functioning, it may be helpful to consult a paediatrician or child psychologist for further guidance.”
Dr Dinesh said, "Seek support if tantrums are persistent and are affecting daily life. However, every parent should know that each child is different; being patient and understanding is the key to managing a child's tantrums."
Disclaimer
The information in this article is shared by an expert, however, it is advisable to consult with your expert for a diagnosis catered to your needs.
