Dealing with temper tantrums
Effective Discipline – Advice
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Distract or redirect the child to some other activity, preferably away from the scene of the tantrum.
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Remove the child from the place of misbehaviour.
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Hold the child gently until the toddler gains control.
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Give a short verbal instruction or reassurance followed by supervision and an example.
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Have empathy.
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Continue to supervise, set limits and routines, and have realistic expectations of the child’s achievement capabilities.
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Knowing the child’s pattern of reactions helps prevent situations in which frustrations flare up.
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Pay attention to good behavior
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Teach positive behavior as well as changing unwanted behavior.
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Know your child's triggers e.g. hunger, tiredness, these may clue you in to an impending tantrum
For discipline to be effective, it needs to be:
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given by an adult with an affective bond to the child;
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consistent, close to the behaviour needing change;
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perceived as ‘fair’ by the child;
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developmentally and temperamentally appropriate; and
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self-enhancing, i.e. ultimately leading to self-discipline.
This is also true with the management of temper tantrums.
Remember the meaning behind the word "Temper" - it means to mix in order to transform something often by neutralizing or balancing it. The child at this stage of development is learning how to mix their feelings. It is a confusing time for them too. If an individual fails to learn how to temper their feelings they may have temper tantrums well into childhood and even adulthood.
References:
Canadian Pediatric Society