Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson is a board certified pediatrician, mother to two young boys and the author of the Seattle Children's Hospital Seattle Mama Doc Blog, the first pediatrician-authored blog for a major children's hospital.
These tantrums are considered a normal part of childhood development and are a sign that your child is upset or frustrated about something.
They are also a part of language skills that your child is learning and can occur when your child is hungry, tired, or uncomfortable. When your child isn't able to fully communicate those feelings with you, a tantrum will occur. As your child gets older and language skills start to develop, the tantrums should start to disappear.
Even though tantrums are common, it doesn't make them any less frustrating. Fortunately, the American Academy of Pediatrics has come up with eight tips to help handle every tantrum patiently and gracefully:
- Give your child enough attention, especially while behaving well.
- During a tantrum, give your child control over little things.
- Incorporate the tactic of distraction.
- Choose your battles and accommodate when you can.
- Know you child's limits.
- Do not ignore behaviors like biting, kicking, hitting, throwing, etc.
- Set your child up for success.
- Give yourself a break when you need it.
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, shares more information on these eight tips for handling your child's temper tantrums.
