How do you deal with a temper tantrum???????

mrsmourning0907 · May 2013

My son is 28 months old and has recently started throwing temper tantrums. We are usually at home when this happens. I've tried having him stand in the corner for time out but he wont stay there for more then 2 seconds. We do put him to bed or threaten him with night night time. That also does not work anymore. He is in daycare during the day and she says he is usually very good and if not he stands in the corner for time out. Please help with suggestions!!!

pitterpatter129 · May 2013

You got to 28 months before tantrums started?! I'm so jealous! Ignore them until they run their course or figure out the cause and fix it. Tantrums are usually about power struggles or an inability to express feelings. I wouldn't do time-out for a tantrum.

If the tantrum is because they want to be independent, but can't, for example, find a way to help them do whatever. Can't reach the cup on the counter but want to do it themselves, then mom puts it on the coffee table instead, or picks kid up to reach, or offers a step stool, etc.

Offer choices to avoid power struggles. Milk or water? Red or blue? Make it two choices you find acceptable.

Figure out the tantrum triggers and avoid them ahead of time.

Help them find words to express feelings. Oh, you wanted xyz? Can I help you?

Walk away and let them tantrum.

jaxxx15 · May 2013

I usually breathe while he is melting and once I am calm and he starts to calm down I get down to eye level and and tell him the desired behavior and move on. I too try time out and it doesn't work that great here. I would be careful with the threat of night night time because you don't want him to associate his bed with bad choices. It may backfire and you notice sleep issues. Not and expert by any means. Hang in there.

laurakaz13 · May 2013

Mine started right around 25 months. I just walk away, tell her it is "not nice" to behave that way, and ignore her. She usually calms down and comes after me pretty quickly.

We've also decided to avoid her crib as punishment. She is a great sleeper and I don't want her bed associated with bad behavior. We will take her favorite stuffed pig away if she throws a tantrum or throws food on the floor during a meal. It seems to be working.

BelhurstBride · May 2013

DD doesn't have a ton of them but if she does I let her ride it out and talk to her about what made her so upset after she calms down.

To avoid them we try to make her feel in control of her life and choices; what she wants to wear, what she wants to eat (for breakfast and lunch), what book to read, ect.

Mrs.EMS · May 2013

BelhurstBride:

DD doesn't have a ton of them but if she does I let her ride it out and talk to her about what made her so upset after she calms down.

To avoid them we try to make her feel in control of her life and choices; what she wants to wear, what she wants to eat (for breakfast and lunch), what book to read, ect.

I agree with what all are saying about choices... but if i let her pick her food she'll eat captain crunch and cheez its all day..lol

What I also do is explainw hat we will be doing next so that there are no surpises. "After the park mommy needs to go to xyz then we can go to the ice shop". It seems to be working... for now!

pitterpatter129 · May 2013

Mrs.EMS:
BelhurstBride:

I agree with what all are saying about choices... but if i let her pick her food she'll eat captain crunch and cheez its all day..lol

This is where you only offer choices you find acceptable. Do you want chicken, tuna, or peanut butter?, for example. It's not open-ended choices.

BelhurstBride · May 2013

pitterpatter129:
Mrs.EMS:
BelhurstBride:

I agree with what all are saying about choices... but if i let her pick her food she'll eat captain crunch and cheez its all day..lol

This is where you only offer choices you find acceptable. Do you want chicken, tuna, or peanut butter?, for example. It's not open-ended choices.

I was going to respond with the same. Forced choices are the key!

"Would you like peppers and hummus or yogurt and blueberries?"

Not having Captain Crunch and Cheez Its in the house would probably help...

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How do you deal with a temper tantrum???????

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