What you need to know about temper tantrums in a child - (Emotional Meltdown)

Most kids from age 1-3 behave in a certain way that tends to frustrate you as a parent and you don’t know the reason and neither do you know what to do in that situation. This is called temper tantrums. Read on to know more about temper tantrums and how to deal with it as a parent.

What is Temper Tantrum?

Temper tantrum is an emotional outburst usually associated with those in emotional distress that is typically characterised by stubbornness, crying, screaming, violence, defiance and other physically violent behaviour. Also, temper tantrum is unpleasant and disruptive behaviours which occur as a result of not being able to express one’s feeling or in response to unmet needs or desires.

Temper tantrum is a normal part of a child’s growth, they occur in children from age 1-3 and as their language improve tantrum tends to decrease because they are able to express themselves verbally.

Tantrums might happen when a child is:

• Hungry
• Tired
• Seeking attention
• Wanting something.

How to deal with a temper tantrum in a child

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with a toddler tantrum. Experts say yelling, striking, bribery, begging, and giving in are all bad ideas. According to Dr Rubinowitz, if you give in, you are rewarding the tantrum and assuring that it will happen again and again. Similarly, when children understand that “no” means “no,” and when parents respond calmly and consistently when their children act out, everyone benefits.

Here are tips on dealing with temper tantrums:

1. Avoid situations that are likely to result in tantrums. Maintain as much consistency as possible in your daily routines, and give your child a five-minute warning before changing activities.
2. Make eye contact with your child and communicate with him or her. Don’t underestimate your child’s ability to comprehend your message. To avoid surprises, tell them your day’s plans and adhere to your schedule.
3. Allow your child to accompany you on your errands with a toy or food item. It might keep them engaged.
4. Before you go out, make sure your child is well-rested and fed so they don’t erupt at the first opportunity.
5. If you see your child is having a tantrum but it hasn’t turned into a full-fledged outburst, attempt to divert them. Show them something intriguing or get them involved in an activity.
6. Ignore the tantrum as this teaches your child that throwing a tantrum is unacceptable and will not result in them getting what they want.

Remember that tantrums are usually harmless and will pass on their own. Children learn self-control as they get older. They learn to work together, communicate well and deal with frustration. Fewer tantrums – and happier parents – will result from less frustration and greater control.