Averting tantrums

If your child regularly throws tantrums at the same time of day, or in the same kind of situation, try to find ways of heading off the tantrum before it occurs…

Diverting attention

Diverting your child’s attention at the crucial time can work wonders – try to find something that will capture their attention until the moment has passed, such as a simple game or activity. Keeping a child busy with something, however trivial, will give them less time to plan and execute their tantrum. Even a slight change of scene may head off the brewing storm – go outside, or even into a different room.

Preventing tiredness and hunger

These are often contributing factors, so having a supply of healthy snacks to keep them going, say, during an afternoon shopping trip, may help avoid a tantrum. Similarly, try avoiding shopping trips when your toddler is likely to be tired – if they are still napping in the afternoon, try going after their nap, or first thing in the morning, when they are likely to be awake and interested in what’s going on around them, rather than frustrated and bothered by it.

Giving your child some choice and responsibility

One of the prime triggers for a toddler tantrum is a feeling that they are powerless to make their own choices. For example, a toddler may regularly rebel against getting dressed in the morning. If you usually choose their clothes and have a battle getting them into them, try giving them a choice instead – narrow it down (don’t give them the entire closet to choose from!) but let them feel that they are making the final decision. If your child is a nightmare to take shopping, try getting them to help you choose some of your purchases, or unpack the cart. Letting your child have a little say in what is going on can often mean far fewer tantrums.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Related Articles

Last Modified: 11/07/2007

Send to a friend