Temper Tantrums - Home Treatment
During a tantrum, you can help your child by:
- Remaining calm.
- Staying where the
child can see you, especially if the child is very young.
the child to his or her room until he or she is calm, if the child is old
enough to understand why this is being done.
- Removing any
dangerous furniture or objects within the child's reach. If there are too many
objects that could hurt the child, you may need to move the child to a safe
place. Sometimes you may need to physically hold a younger child to prevent
- Being firm and consistent about what you expect. Do not
give in to the child's demands.
- Not trying to reason with the child
during the tantrum. Talk calmly to the child if this works for him or her. But
don't lecture, threaten, or argue with the child.
Do not be alarmed if the child
holds his or her breath. Children often hold their
breath during a temper tantrum. They will breathe again automatically, even if
they pass out. For more information, see the topic
There are some
things you can do to help prevent some temper tantrums. You may be able
- Distract your child from his or her
frustration or take your child away from a situation that is likely to trigger
a tantrum. For example, if your child doesn't like to go to bed, about 20
minutes before bedtime talk about a fun activity that is going to occur the
next day. Reduce the need to say "no" to your child by childproofing your home.
Fewer rules need to be enforced if unsafe or breakable items are kept out of a
child's reach or sight.
- Reduce how often temper tantrums occur
by giving your child simple choices and by listening to your child's concerns.
It also can help to provide a regular and predictable schedule for your child.
This is especially true during times that you expect your child may be more
prone to temper tantrums, such as when starting a new child care routine.
Establish regular times to eat and sleep to help your child to be in a good
state of mind.