Tantrums are common distraction for both parents as well as children. It also tests the patience level of parents. It includes whining to crying; screaming to hitting, throwing things to kicking. Also, few kids may show tantrums often and few show it rarely. It is seen in both boys and girls, and age ranges from 1 to 3.
Tantrums can be seen more during children’s language development phase. Their communications are expressed in different feelings such as anger, fear, fatigue or frustration. Since they cannot frame their feelings in words they show it in this way which is absolutely normal as per the developmental milestones.
When a child throws tantrums, parents need to calm down to understand why tantrum is being thrown and also instead of getting frustrated learn to cope up with the situation. It is also a learning process for both parents as well as children. When parents feel embarrassed the chances of getting punishment is more, which makes the tantrums worst.
Most of the time, they throw tantrum to seek attention from parents, and sometimes it is when they are tired or hungry. They also would exhibit tantrums when they need something from siblings or parents.
How to prevent temper tantrums
The first thing a parent has to do is, stay calm, and not lose their temper. It is common to feel bad for not being able to control your child’s reckless emotions but that doesn’t mean that you are a bad parent. This is just a phase, and also you need to remember by handling your child’s emotions you as a parent are evolving your parenting skills and also teaching children to manage their emotions at an early age, so that they learn to cope with their negative emotions.
When a child throws tantrums (public places), try to divert the attention by moving out to other place. You can also try time out (At home/school) where the child is made to sit in one place without doing anything.
Do not be picky with the child when it comes to choices. Your child wants to be independent but make sure that, you give choices in such a way that, it chooses between two without throwing any tantrums. For instance when you give choice between taking bath before brushing the teeth and after brushing the teeth, children may choose any one. Instead if you order, you need to brush and take bath, showing tantrum might be more. Give them choices in such a way that, there should not be any place to throw tantrum.
Parents need to seek help, when the tantrum exceeds after the age of four. When your child injures himself/herself or cause trouble for others, it is recommended to consult counsellors.
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