How do you handle tantrums?

MrsCodeMonkey · June 2012

It's been asked a million times, so one more time can't hurt. Right? What can I do when DD is having a tantrum? I'd love to down a big martini and walk away, but I was hoping for some more practical ideas.

She has turned into a toddler a few weeks early. Didn't she get the memo? I'm not ready for hysterical crying and arched back every time she wants to get out of the high chair, I take away an object or she can't do something she's trying to do. Oh, and let's add pinching and biting to the list. If she wasn't my flesh and blood I'd sue.

CinemaGoddess · June 2012

I laugh.

seahorse102410 · June 2012

I know it's awful. But I really think the only thing you can do is walk away.

write2nicole · June 2012

cvanderh:
I'd love to down a big martini and walk away, but I was hoping for some more practical ideas.

I'm confused. Why isn't this practical?

Honestly, I will try to redirect, but sometimes it isn't possible. If it's not possible or not working, I just say, "I'm sorry, you cannot [play with the butcher knife/drink my wine/hit the dog with your tricycle/whatever], but I'll be over here if you want to do a puzzle or read a book." Then I go do whatever until he calms down.

Also, CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES. Example: I have decided it's okay for him to climb from his anywhere chair to the arm of the sofa and then swan-dive onto the sofa itself. Instead, I'm focusing on not grabbing the dog's penis.

write2nicole · June 2012

CinemaGoddess:
I laugh.

Oh, this, too. Sometimes he ends up laughing with me.

write2nicole · June 2012

IrishCoffee7:
write2nicole:
cvanderh:

I'd love to down a big martini and walk away, but I was hoping for some more practical ideas.

I'm confused. Why isn't this practical?

Honestly, I will try to redirect, but sometimes it isn't possible. If it's not possible or not working, I just say, "I'm sorry, you cannot [play with the butcher knife/drink my wine/hit the dog with your tricycle/whatever], but I'll be over here if you want to do a puzzle or read a book." Then I go do whatever until he calms down.

Also, CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES. Example: I have decided it's okay for him to climb from his anywhere chair to the arm of the sofa and then swan-dive onto the sofa itself. Instead, I'm focusing on not grabbing the dog's penis.

I LOLed like 20x reading this.

It's funny 'cause it's true. Every word.

ChristinaDawn · June 2012

write2nicole:
IrishCoffee7:
write2nicole:
cvanderh:

I'd love to down a big martini and walk away, but I was hoping for some more practical ideas.

I'm confused. Why isn't this practical?

Honestly, I will try to redirect, but sometimes it isn't possible. If it's not possible or not working, I just say, "I'm sorry, you cannot [play with the butcher knife/drink my wine/hit the dog with your tricycle/whatever], but I'll be over here if you want to do a puzzle or read a book." Then I go do whatever until he calms down.

Also, CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES. Example: I have decided it's okay for him to climb from his anywhere chair to the arm of the sofa and then swan-dive onto the sofa itself. Instead, I'm focusing on not grabbing the dog's penis.

I LOLed like 20x reading this.

It's funny 'cause it's true. Every word.

This made me laugh because it is so true. Except for me it is cat butt vs. dog penis.

Ditto ignoring and walking away, as well as choosing your battles. I'm better at this than DH because DH feels bad hearing him scream but that explains why DS only had one small melt down when I was home with him all day yesterday vs. the five he had in three hours with DH in Saturday. DS knows I don't respond to tantrums and DH does.

ChristinaDawn · June 2012

Also, DS learning the word "help" hashelped so much because now when he gets frustrated with something he can say "Mama, help!" instead of just screaming.

scoutkate · June 2012

CinemaGoddess:
I laugh.

Me too. And usually I point while I laugh. Makes it more effective.

MrsCodeMonkey · June 2012

write2nicole:
cvanderh:
I'd love to down a big martini and walk away, but I was hoping for some more practical ideas.
I'm confused. Why isn't this practical?
Honestly, I will try to redirect, but sometimes it isn't possible. If it's not possible or not working, I just say, "I'm sorry, you cannot [play with the butcher knife/drink my wine/hit the dog with your tricycle/whatever], but I'll be over here if you want to do a puzzle or read a book." Then I go do whatever until he calms down.
Also, CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES. Example: I have decided it's okay for him to climb from his anywhere chair to the arm of the sofa and then swan-dive onto the sofa itself. Instead, I'm focusing on not grabbing the dog's penis.

Yep, not grabbing the dog's butt feathers and penis is something I'm working on too. Our dog is 115lbs and you'd think she could find other areas to pet but nooo. I'll keep redirecting and hope for more patience.

sugarland726 · June 2012

ChristinaDawn:
Also, DS learning the word "help" hashelped so much because now when he gets frustrated with something he can say "Mama, help!" instead of just screaming.

We've also been asking her to "use her words" and tell us what is wrong instead of whining/crying. It seems to help. When she does that we thank her for telling us what she wanted and promptly delivery. But if it's just laying on the floor and throwing a tantrum because she couldn't wear sandals in 20 degree weather, I carry on with my business and ignore her until she is done.

mrebecca · June 2012

I also think walking away or redirecting is best.
DH tries to yell, "Hey! Stop crying," and I'm like, "Dude! Let her get it out."
I think tantrums help teach kids to handle their own frustration.

synchrosally · June 2012

Ignore, redirect.

Want a personalized experience?

How do you handle tantrums?

Re: How do you handle tantrums?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards