Tips on Controlling Child Tantrums For Parents

How can parents control toddlers who are easily prone to throwing tantrums in public and at home?

Young children lead very exciting and challenging lives. They have to learn everything from crawling, eating with utensils, drinking from a cup. They need to learn how to walk and be courteous and nice to everyone! Then they have to learn and realise that there are things that they cannot have.

Can you imagine their frustration of walking through Toy'sRus and superstores that are full of fascinating toys and yummy candies and all they hear is "No, no, no, Cannot, cannot, cannot"! When their frustration reaches levels they cannot handle, they have what we call "tantrums".

When a child is in full-blown temper tantrum, it is important for parents to realise that he/she is beyond reason. To try and argue with him/her out of the tantrum situation or yell at the child will just cause more emotions.

The most effective tool that a parent has for dealing with tantrums is to avoid them. Below are several tips:

(a) If you are taking your children on shopping trips, be sure to plan something suitable for them too (e.g. time to play in the child-play section or game room at the shopping mall).

(b) Give them warnings such as "In 15 minutes' time, we need to go".

(c) Have activities, snacks, toys available to keep them occupied there are long waits you can't avoid.

(d) Explain the situation such as "Let's get back because Daddy will be home and looking for us".

(e) At home, if the child's tantrum is to seek attention, then best bet is to ignore.

Hope these few tips are helpful in your parenting role.