Temper Tantrums

Are you embarrassed to take your child anywhere because of his horrific temper tantrums? Temper tantrums often occur when the child is bored, hungry, exhausted or frustrated. Most parents go through this stage and have no idea how to avoid it. Here are 5 ways to prevent your child from experiencing a temper tantrum. These ways will improve the life of you and your child.

1. Positive Reinforcements

When your child is behaving at the mall, grocery store, or waiting for a doctors appointment, be sure to praise them. Tell them they are being a good boy, because children enjoy feeling pleasant and well behaved. Praise makes them feel proud that they are making you happy. Using positive reinforcements will not only prevent temper tantrums, but in the future it will raise the child’s self confidence.

2. Carry Snacks

Children get hungry frequently, so always carry snacks in your car or purse. Be aware when your child has eaten last, so you can estimate when they will become hungry again. Cheerios, crackers, granola bars, fruit snacks, and juice boxes are great choices because they are healthy and last a long time. Make sure you ask the child if he is hungry before he starts to whine. You do not want to award your child from whining, because this teaches him that whining gets him what he wants.

3. Play Games

When you and your child are waiting for a doctor’s appointment, your child easily becomes bored and restless. They will want to run around and get into everything you don’t want them to. Play games with them such as “I Spy” or guessing games. Take something out of your purse and make the child guess what is missing. This is easy to do and will distract the child from becoming bored, which will help prevent a temper tantrum.

4. Observation

If you and your child see another child having a tantrum, stop and observe it. Point out to your child the redness of the other child's face and how embarrassed his parents look. Tell your child how bad the other boy is being, and how relieved you are that it isn’t him. Inform your child that you are thankful that he doesn’t kick and scream to get what he wants. Your child will not want to be in the other child’s situation, this will prevent him from having a temper tantrum in the future.

5. Sleeping Behavior

Children often have temper tantrums because they are exhausted. To prevent this, always do your errands after your child has been well rested. Have a constant routine for nap and bed time, so your child knows what to expect each day. If you notice that your child is sleepy, excuse yourself, and go home. If you can’t leave, try to handle your grumpy child patiently.