Good Parenting

There is little chance if you are a parent or caregiver that you have been spared children’s temper tantrums. Temper tantrums can occur at any age in a young child but are more specific to the toddler age. Children’s temper tantrums often leave us feeling like we might like to have a tantrum of our own.

Some common trigger of children’s temper tantrums are hunger, fatigue, sleepiness, and stress. We need to remember that children respond to these triggers much as adults do, they just don’t know what to do with the pent up anger and frustration they are feeling. This is when they lash out.

Young children are unable to set boundaries for themselves and often unable to obtain the very things that would make them feel better. It is up to us as caregivers to make sure they get the rest, sleep, and food they need to keep them happy and calm.

It is important for adults to stay calm and retain a neutral front when dealing with children’s temper tantrums. We need to take a deep breath and tell ourselves that this too will pass. Children respond to our own demeanor and if we can retain an air of calmness, this will help them become calm as well. Children are often frightened of their own outbursts. Do cuddle and hug your child after an outburst and let them know that you love them no matter what their behavior. Never withhold your love as punishment for an outburst.

As much as you love your child or children, you do need to take regular breaks from them. Schedule adult time and stay up on current events. If you are a stay at home parent or caregiver, you need more than ever to engage in adult interaction to avoid feeling isolation. Dealing with children’s temper tantrums when you are isolated is depressing and unhealthy.

Take the best possible care of your health that you can. If you don’t put yourself first at least part of the time, you will feel depleted. When you are depleted you will have great difficulty dealing with children’s temper tantrums. Eat well, take vitamins, get fresh air, and sleep when you can. Fill yourself up emotionally and spiritually as well. Dealing with children’s temper tantrums will feel a lot easier if you do.

Dealing with children’s temper tantrums can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Join a parenting group or talk to somebody who has cared for small children. Surround yourself with positive people who truly can empathize with your situation. You don’t need the advice of people who have been there, done that, and minimize what you are going through. You need understanding people in your life.

Try to remember that children are the biggest gift from God. They grow up oh so fast and dealing with tantrums will soon become a phase of the past. Love them, love yourself, and watch your family grow.