Tantrums are something that every parent dreads and every child will have. Whether they happen frequently or only now and then, knowing how to deal with a temper tantrum can be a struggle. As well as being upsetting for children, they can be embarrassing and distressing for parents, too! The first and most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to tantrums, however, is that your child is not being malicious. Very young children tend to have tantrums when they are overwhelmed by strong feelings or stressful situations, for example, while older children may not have learned healthy coping mechanisms yet. Here’s what you can do to manage tantrums when they become an issue.
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Find a Safe, Calm Environment
While children with autism are more susceptible to environmental overstimulation, all young children can find a lot of noise, stimulation, and busyness overwhelming. Tantrums can often be the result of tiredness, hunger, and anxiety as well as anger or the refusal of desired objects, snacks, or experiences. Whatever the cause of a tantrum it is best to start dealing with it by finding a safe and calm environment for your child (especially if they are still a toddler).
Once in a calm, safe place you can start to communicate with your child about what precisely is wrong. This will also allow you to mitigate the chance of injury if they are kicking, flailing, or trying to run away.
Use Age-Appropriate Communication
Whether they are throwing a tantrum in the Chuck-E-Cheese play area or at home, young children tend to be seeking reassurance or validation when they take a tantrum. As such, keeping them close, offering comfort, and telling young children that you understand that they are frustrated, tired, or upset can be very helpful in calming them down.
Older children, however, may be having a tantrum because they are having an issue with communicating a complex feeling or need. Allowing them a short time to calm down before slowly and calmly helping them to identify and name the cause of the tantrum can be more helpful.
Remain Consistent
As your child gets older it is important that you remain consistent in your decisions, especially when they have a tantrum. Though it can be embarrassing to have to deal with a temper tantrum in a shop after you tell them no, giving in and changing your mind will only reinforce the behavior by showing them that tantrums work!
Stick to your decisions and remain calm in order to deal with a tantrum without creating future issues down the line. While it can feel like people will think poorly of you when your child has a public tantrum, all parents have dealt with this before!
Offer Reassurance
Tantrums are distressing for everyone involved, particularly when they have been caused by tiredness, hunger, or anxiety. Reassure your child, comfort them, and make sure that you end with a hug and some emotional support. Using Chuck E Cheese coupons can also help you provide a reward for good behavior by going somewhere they like.
Aside from learning to communicate more effectively, feeling safe and understood is often what children need most when they have a tantrum.
