Triumphing Over Tantrums

Before you had kids you probably witnessed an out of control child having a temper tantrum at the store. More than likely you thought or said, "If that was my child, I would ______". Well now here you are with children of your own dealing with these exact situations. Temper tantrums are a normal part of life with toddlers and preschoolers. Almost all young children have tantrums occasionally. If handled appropriately, most children outgrow this stage by four or five.

Some children have severe tantrums and may get so upset that they vomit or hold their breath until they pass out. Although this can be extremely upsetting to the parent, the child will generally recover quickly and completely. If your child is fainting or vomiting from tantrums, you may want to consult your pediatrician to check for any other health concerns.

How you handle tantrums will have a direct impact on the frequency and intensity of the tantrums. Here are some tips on preventing tantrums and how to respond to them.

Make sure your child is not over-tired. If she is cranky or tired put her down for a nap or try doing some quiet time. You can lay down in the bed and read a book or play soothing music to help her relax.

Be consistent with your rules. If she has a tantrum and you give in to her demands, she will try this again. The more consistent you are, the more she will learn that tantrums don't work.

When you ask your child to do something, try asking nicely first. "Mommy needs some help picking up the toys" usually goes over better than "get in here and pick up this mess!"

Don't use bribery. Does she really deserve a cookie for going to bed on time or not misbehaving at the grocery store? By doing this you will only encourage her to break the rules to get a treat.

Don't react to her by yelling at her to be quiet. This will probably only upset her more. Sometimes in the midst of an outburst it is hard for a child to regain composure. Help her to calm down by giving her some quiet time in her room. Offer her a cup of water to help her relax if she is hyperventilating.

Sometimes children have tantrums because they want your attention. Look at the situation. Have you been watching tv, reading a book, or talking on the phone? If your child hasn't had much "mommy time", she may be trying to tell you something. Once she has calmed down from her tantrum, try setting some time aside just for her.

If you are in a public place, remove the child from the situation if you can. Go to the car or the restroom until she calms down.

When to call the doctor.

If you are concerned that your child's tantrums are extreme or more frequent than they should be, call your pediatrician for help. If your child injures herself or others, destroys property, has frequent nightmares, regresses in potty training, faints, has stomach aches or anxiety attacks consult your doctor.

About The Author

Patty Hone is a wife and mommy to three kids. She is also co-owner of Justmommies.com. Justmommies is an online community of moms sharing the joys and struggles of motherhood. Message boards, chats, articles, parenting, pregnancy info and more. http://www.justmommies.com.

email@justmommies.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Teach Your Baby To Read English

If your child's first language is not English, he or... Read More

You Have a New Person at Home: Babys Fourth Month Guide

Baby is into her fourth month now.Mom's milk is best.Breast... Read More

Etiquette for Baby Shower

Etiquette for baby shower used to be quite rigid, but... Read More

Your Baby?s Nursery ? What You Will Need

As an expectant mother, you are full of excitement and... Read More

Choose The Perfect Baby Shower Gift

The first thing you should do when trying to choose... Read More

Baby Shower Favors to Spice up Your Baby Shower

Baby Shower Favors should be at every baby shower for... Read More

Fun Nursery Themes That Will Even Have Your Baby Talking!

There are many whimsical, fun baby room themes if you... Read More

Popular Baby Names

Are you looking for cute baby names? This article explains... Read More

Helping Your Baby Develop Character

How Can We Help Children Learn about Character?Children learn about... Read More

Are You Spending Too Much Money on Baby Gear?

Did you waste $57 today? I hope not. Unfortunately, so... Read More

How to Buy Infants? Best Educational Toys?

Buying educational toys for infants can be difficult, because infants... Read More

How to Buy Baby Carrier as Baby Shower Gift

Every year, people may have couple baby shower invitations. Buying... Read More

Under Carpet Heating In The Nursery ? To Help Your Baby Sleep Through The Night And More!

As new parents, we all want what's best for our... Read More

13 Donts on Child Safety

For years, we have been taught that 13 is an... Read More

Baby Shower for Mom and the Ladies

Baby Shower for Moms who just wanna have fun! This... Read More

When To Start Teaching Your Baby (1)

When is it that I should start teaching my baby?... Read More

Solving Baby Sleep Problems - Its Time to Sleep

If you're a parent with a young child then here's... Read More

A Birth Announcement That Is Both Practical and Sentimental

The best birth announcement is both practical and sentimental. Welcome... Read More

Your Baby And Social Skills

Your baby's first year is filled with many challenges and... Read More

Potty Training At Daycare and Preschool

With 61% of children between the ages of birth and... Read More

How to Have the Perfect Baby Boy Invitations

Baby boy invitations are the first thing you'll need to... Read More

Baby Shower Gifts Are Not All The Same

When one talk about shower baby gifts, it is clear... Read More

IQ, Intelligence, and Brain Development- Another Breastfeeding Benefit

Modern parents want to do everything they can to help... Read More

The Average Growth In Babies

Growth charts are tools your pediatrician can use to keep... Read More

Your Baby Nursery - Decorating a Fabulous and Functional Room

Decorating a baby nursery can be one of the most... Read More

Show Your Baby That You Read

When you take your child to the library, check out... Read More

Childrens Bedroom Furniture - Three Mothers Share Their Buying Habits

Just two months ago, a group of mothers from three... Read More

Baby Cribs - Safety Is Key

You have just learned that you are expecting a baby.... Read More

Five Reasons For Preparing Your Own Baby Food

Are you unsure whether you should make your own baby... Read More

Baby Shower Planning and Hosting

Planning and organization are crucial to hosting a successful baby... Read More

Should You Get Baby Shower Game Ideas for Free?

There are quite a few baby shower game ideas for... Read More

Preparing for New Baby or Traveling with Baby this Summer

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among... Read More

Baby Clipart for All Your Baby Shower Printing Needs

Baby clipart is the perfect accent to all of your... Read More