Your child will most often throw a tantrum when he is feeling frustrated, stressed or tired (I mean, so do we occasionally).
Your little one isn’t able to express their emotions just yet and so will vent their frustrations in the form of a tantrum. As your child gets older, they will discover better ways of communicating his feelings by using language and so tantrums will naturally decrease.
If your school age child is still throwing tantrums on a regular basis, you will need to consider whether he has developed the right vocabulary to express his emotions. You should make sure that they understand that they can talk to you about their feelings.
You shouldn’t reward a tantrum in the hopes of ending the behaviour. Giving into demands just reinforces the idea that it’s okay to throw a tantrum.
If you suspect that your child is using tantrums as a way to get attention, the best thing you can do is to ignore the behaviour. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't hurt themselves but don’t respond to the tantrum. Once it’s over, speak to them as normal.
It is often the case that kids will react strongly to something they aren’t prepared for, make sure to give timed warnings when you are about to do something that results in a tantrum, for instance: "You have to get dressed for bed in five minutes." Make sure that he is listening to you and understands what will happen.
Discipline Dos and Don’ts
It’s a normal part of a child’s typical development for your child not to listen. This can be frustrating for parents but once you understand why this behaviour occurs then the solution of the problem be clearer.
There is no clear right way to discipline your child, every child is different and every situation will require a different response from you.
You need to ask yourself:
Are my efforts to discipline my child going to help him learn the correct behaviour and will it teach him the right way to behave and how to do it?
One yes trumps a thousand nos.
It’s always helpful to bear in mind that your child has an amazing memory. He won’t forget the one time that your child got you to change your mind! Giving in is a bad idea so you should resolve to never do it. Don’t tell your child no if there is a chance that you will change your mind.
Don't argue with your child
If you have gotten to the point of having to discipline your child, the time for discussion has long since passed. You should avoid any further discussion or arguments on the topic.
Avoid "You're in big trouble!"
This doesn’t mean anything and is just a phrase parents use when they have nothing else to say. It will only serve to eat away at your credibility. Know the disciplinary action you are going to take and take it.
