Hey Moms and Dads,
Tantrums! The word that really scares most adults around little kids. We come across many such situations where our kids get agitated for little things. We usually tend to overlook the reason behind them and only look at them as tantrums. Come let us together try and understand what is bothering them and find solutions to it:
- They feel unattended to – let us try giving them some quality time and appreciate them
- They are confused and don’t know what is bothering them. Let us talk it out with them instead of scolding them. Here are a few ideas to help in this journey:
- Give them some ‘me’ time. Let them calm down all by themselves or with little help from you. The cooling period helps the child to collect his/her thoughts and emotions and thus resulting in subsiding the anger. Encourage your children to express freely what is bothering them
- Show that you understand. Tell them it is ok to be upset sometimes and talk to them about the various emotions that they might be facing.
- Being present mentally and physically for your child is much better than physically being with them and still not paying attention to their needs. Keep your phones/other things aside and give undivided attention. It could be park time, bedtime, mealtime or whatever suits both of you.
- Explain to them the reason for saying something or demanding disciplined behaviour. Avoid saying ‘no’ very often and if you have to say it, always add an explanation to it.
- Teach them lovingly the difference between good and bad behaviour instead of always giving in to their tantrums.
- Ask for their opinions. Involve them in day-to-day decision-making when possible. Ask opinions on what to eat on Sunday afternoon, which game to play etc. It makes them feel valued.
- Dealing anger with anger or punishment will not strengthen the parent-child relationship. Why don’t we all take a chance and implement these ideas instead?
No situation is difficult if we try to work around it!
Happy parenting! 😊
