You take a deep breath!
- If you can, establish the cause of the frustration: a toy that is too old for him to work, is he overtired, hungry or just can’t get his own way?
- Tantrums are best ignored, although that is not always easy! If you give him what he wants he quickly learns that a tantrum is a very effective way of getting his own way.
- Preferably leave the room so that he has no audience.
- Breath holding, whilst looking frightening for parents, is not harmful to the child.
- Try distraction from the source of frustration.
- Set boundaries and stick to them. No means no!
- Make it clear you will talk to him when he calms down, and not before.
- When the storm is over talk to him quietly and give him a cuddle.
If your child suddenly has more frequent tantrums with little or no provocation, talk to your health professional.
