Author: Jennifer Paget
How to keep the peace?
Keeping the peace depends on the nature of the tantrum.
Some tantrums are clearly within children’s control.
You see them looking to make sure you are paying attention. They have figured out if they make the right kind of fuss for long enough, things will work out the way they hope. The moment they get what they were after, the tantrums stop.
But many tantrums are not within children’s control.
During this kind, they seem to lose touch with their surroundings. You can’t reach them with your words or your touch. They are destructive, to property, themselves, you, or all of the above. They might start to calm down but then start up again.
Then there are the in-betweeners.
Tantrums aren’t exactly intentional, but they are habitual. The child once developed a way of expressing a valid need that goes beyond what they now need. This means they can be helped to change their habit.
With a little curiosity and better understanding of a child’s abilities, we can sort out what kind of tantrums are happening and when. We can make a plan for preventing and responding to tantrums. We can help children learn new habits for communicating needs.
Reach out if you’d like to learn more!
