What should parents do to limit children's tantrums?

Every parent has had a headache when their child throws a tantrum, cries loudly, and makes unreasonable demands. These outbursts are most common in children aged 1-3. This is considered a way for children to express their emotions while their language and expression skills are not yet fully developed.

Most children learn from a young age that tantrums work. They are a good way to get adults to comply. So parents need to curb this behavior as early as possible. Without proper intervention, tantrums will get worse and a child who throws frequent tantrums will grow into a whining adult.

Keep calm and don't give in

Listening to a child throw a tantrum can be worse than completing a mentally challenging task. However, it is important for adults to remain calm. Trying to end a child's tantrum by yelling or screaming is completely ineffective.

It is best for parents to sit still and let their children scream and cry until they are tired and things calm down. Once the tantrum has stopped, the child will feel more comfortable and the parents' advice and teachings will be more meaningful. This way, parents can control their emotions and calmly talk to their children about the problem they are feeling upset about.

Whatever your child does, don't give in. If you give in by saying, "Okay, have another cookie!" you teach your child that tantrums are an effective way to get what they want.

Give advance warning

One thing that makes children feel very upset is when their parents suddenly end their playtime without any prior notice. Adults cannot just tell them they will be home in 10 minutes, because when they are playing, they will no longer have a sense of time.

Instead, parents can be more specific, such as saying that the child can go down two more slides, ride two more wheels, and then leave. This is something that the child can understand and will obey, even though they may still want to stay and play.

Encourage children to sit still to calm down.

This is a method that many preschool teachers follow and parents can apply too. Set aside a corner of the house as a "quiet space" for the child, it could be a sofa by the window, a corner of the carpet with books, toys and other entertainment items lying around.

When children are upset or angry, parents can encourage them to sit there and distract them with different activities.

Give positive attention when the tantrum stops.

As soon as the whining stops, give your baby positive attention. Praise your baby by saying something like, “I like how you play so quietly!”

Give lots of positive attention to good behavior, which will encourage your child to seek attention in positive ways.

Prevent future tantrums

Equip your child with the skills needed to handle difficult emotions like frustration, boredom, and sadness without whining.

If your child is angry when they are not allowed to play outside, encourage them to work out those angry feelings by doing something else, such as coloring or playing checkers. Coping skills will help your child deal with their emotions in a positive way.

Children also need problem-solving skills to deal with their emotions. If your child is upset because it’s raining and the family trip to the beach has been canceled, help them find an indoor activity. Empowering them to solve problems will help them enjoy the task without throwing a tantrum.

Source: https://giadinhonline.vn/lam-gi-khi-con-lien-tuc-an-va-d199655.html