Let’s face it, Tantrums Happen! In the grocery store, at home, in the car and of course at the Play Cafe. Parenting is an art, especially when it comes to handling tantrums. Using the principles of gentle parenting, mindfulness, and understanding the brain's workings can make this challenge more manageable. Here are six ways to effectively handle tantrums before, during, and after they occur.
1. Prevention: Understanding Triggers
Before a tantrum even begins, it's crucial to understand what triggers your child. Is it hunger, tiredness, or overstimulation? By recognizing these triggers, you can often prevent tantrums from starting. We advocate for addressing these needs proactively, ensuring your child feels heard and understood.
2. Mindful Communication: Setting Boundaries with Empathy
Get on their level. Communicate boundaries clearly but empathetically. Explain why certain behaviors are not acceptable in a way that your child can understand. This approach respects their feelings and autonomy while maintaining clear expectations.
3. During the Tantrum: Stay Calm and Present
When a tantrum does happen, remain calm and present. This can be challenging, but it's vital to model self-regulation. Take deep breaths and maintain a composed demeanor. Your calmness can help de-escalate the situation and provide a sense of security for your child.
4. Empathize and Validate Feelings
During the outburst, validate your child's feelings. Say things like, "I can see you're upset because..." This doesn't mean you're giving in to their demands, but you're acknowledging their emotions. This validation is crucial for their emotional development and helps them feel understood.
5. After the Tantrum: Reflect Together
Once the storm has passed, reflect on the incident together. Discuss what happened and how both of you felt. This reflection is not about assigning blame but understanding each other's perspective. It's an opportunity to teach your child about emotions and coping strategies.
6. Brain Work: Encourage Emotional Intelligence
Lastly, engage in activities that promote emotional intelligence and self-regulation. This can be as simple as reading books about feelings, practicing deep breathing exercises, or using role-play to understand different emotions. These activities help children understand and manage their emotions better in the future.
Remember, managing tantrums is not about control but connection. By employing gentle parenting, mindfulness, and an understanding of the brain, you can turn these challenging moments into opportunities for growth and bonding. Remember, each child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Patience and persistence are key.
Let’s Chat: Share an interesting reason your little one had a tantrum. I’ll share one: My 2-year-old lost it because I wouldn’t let him lick the tadpole…. Maybe I should’ve? (I’m joking)