Parenting comes with lots of challenges. However, there is nothing worse than having to deal with a temper tantrum. It is exhausting for both parents and children.
Many times temper tantrums cannot be avoided, but many times we can prevent them!
Here are 3 ways that we can help parents prevent temper tantrums:
1. Be in tune to your child’s needs:
Kids are more likely to act out, misbehave and meltdown, when they are tired, hungry or feeling overwhelmed. Don’t take your child on just one more errand at the end of a long day, or to the park before they have had their lunch. Many young children have a certain time of the day where they are more prone to misbehave, whine and tantrum. Being in tune with your child’s rhythm can go along way in preventing unwanted behavior.
2. Stay home:
It may also seem like a no-brainer to avoid taking your child to fancy restaurants, to your friend who has a collection of glass paper weights or your nephew’s bar mitzvah. However, many parents that I talk to have been pressured by well-meaning relatives to do just that. What to do? Be firm and kind, “I know it is important to have Eli at the anniversary party, but I’m truly sorry it’s not going to work out.”
3. Isolate Triggers:
Don’t just throw up your hands and label children who throw a tantrum as bratty; parents need to think about the possible causes and triggers. Many kids are more susceptible to meltdowns because they are sensitive to loud noises, crowds, extra bright lights, unfamiliar surroundings, changing activities to quickly, new foods, strange smells, sitting too long, moving too much, seams in their socks, tags in their clothing. Knowing what sets your child off can help you avoid it in the future.
The words of this author reflect his/her own opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Orthodox Union.