How to Survive Child Tantrums

As much as parents prevent it, there will always be a time when little ones throw a fit. In this scenario, all you can do is let them vent until they stop crying. If you’re struggling with child tantrums and child behavior problems, these tantrum survival tips might help.

Keep calm and manage your anger

Always practice self-control and remain as calm as possible. Keep in mind that you are your child’s role model for anger management. While it’s very natural to yell at your child, experts say it’s better to keep silent and state your point while keeping it short.

Walk away from the scene

Keep yourself away from your child when they’re having an outburst. If you’re worried about leaving the scene, don’t leave but keep yourself busy. Avoid eye contact or arguing with your child. If they see tantrum isn’t having an effect on you, they won’t have a choice but to stop.

Take him off a public place

Having a hard time in child tantrums in public? Pick him up at once and take him calmly to a place where he can let it all out. Carry him to the car or a public bathroom where he can cry as much as he wants. Try not to overreact or vent at your child because you feel embarrassed. As soon as you are in a more peaceful place, gently explain your point, and try to distract yourself from the tantrum until it ends. Touching or stroking a child’s back may also work. If screaming continues, secure him in the car and take him home.

Don’t ignore aggressive actions

If your child shows aggressive behaviors during a tantrum such as hitting, throwing, breaking or biting things, act on it at once. If you can, take your child away from the source of his tantrum and carry him or give him an alone time calm down. For older children, a timeout may be a better option.