My Child has Tantrums

Tantrums are embarrassing and frustrating for parents because they often occur when the child has an audience.  Most tantrums are short-lived and the behavior disappears if parents can manage to remain calm.

1. As long as your child is safe, the most useful thing to do is to ignore the behavior. Yes, this is hard to do! But any behavior that you pay attention to will happen again. If you can do so safely, walk away from the child (Stay near enough to see him). Don’t reason with him or pay any attention.
2. Whatever you do, don’t give in to the child’s demands.  It teaches the child that this is a good way to get what he wants.
3. Some children hit, kick or pinch when having a tantrum. If you can, isolate the child from others until the behavior stops. Come back to the child when he is calm, but say nothing. Compliment the child when he does behave, especially in the same situation.
4. Prevent tantrums by watching that the child doesn’t become too tired, hungry or stressed, especially in public.