TIPS TO AVOID & DIFFUSE TANTRUMS:
– Give choices. Say “you have to eat vegetables but which would you want carrots or broccoli? “ Choices empower your child and feelings of empowered helps decrease frustrations that leads to tantrums.
– Prepare your child for what to expect. Say “we are leaving to go grocery shopping in 15 minutes.”
– Set simple rules that you reinforce daily and consistently. When a child know what is expected of him he is less likely to act out.
– When your child is frustrated try to distract him with a favorite game, or a story.
– Stay calm do not raise your voice as it will encourage your child to yell louder.
– When your child is agitated upset, and safe sometime give them the time to calm down. Try to go in another room for a while.
– Be flexible and open. Try something different and/or new if your usual way to deal with tantrums no longer works. Parenting skills need to develop as the child develop.
– Children will test boundaries, be consistent and explains that these limits are meant to protect them.
– Decide of consequence for bad behaviors during family times. When a behavior requires consequences wait that your child cool down before giving it to him.
– When your child has calm down, talk about what happened, listen to what your child tells you and give him strategies & tools to manage his frustration.
Dr. Baya Mebarek, Psy.D., LMFT
www.sandiegofamilytherapy.net
San Diego Couples and Family Therapy serves the surrounding areas of Sorrento Valley Road as La Jolla, UTC San Diego, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, Poway, University City and Escondido.
