What are temper tantrums?:
Violent outbursts of anger manifested by screaming, rolling on the floor, whining, holding breath, kicking or hitting. Common in children from ages 2 to 4 years old.Reasons for tantrums:
Anger, frustration because a child is unable to get what they want; wants to gain attention, learns behavior from impatient, quick-tempered parents; is tired, hungry or easily irritable.
How to prevent tantrums:
Meet child's physical's needs; be an example in handling your own anger; avoid excessive demands and restrictions; encourage verbalization of feelings, give adequate attention, catch your child doing good.
What to do when tantrums begin?:
Be calm and ignore tantrum - put child in time out area; in public places, take child home or to a place where they will receive little attention; introduce reward system for every two hours of "non tantrums".
What NOT to do:
Try to reason or explain why the child cannot have their way. The child is not receptive during a tantrum. Do NOT punish, criticize, threaten, shame or shout. This too shall pass!