How to handle your child's tantrums

Every child has different ways to show their anger and frustration when they pass through a very different phases of life. Some child are patient and don't react to the situations however some child show their anger and throw tantrums. Temper tantrums involve screaming, yelling, crying, and kicking on the part of the child, as well as throwing himself/herself on the floor and pounding fists. Parents has to be very careful and should handle the situation with intelligence as if dealt incorrectly the child may learn to use tantrums to manipulate people and to gain attention.

First of all parents must understand the reason of Tantrums.

A tantrum is the expression of a child's frustration with the physical like hunger and thirst, mental like difficulty learning or performing a specific task or emotional challenges of the moment like more open to speculation. It might seem as though your child plans to misbehave simply to get on your nerves, but that's probably giving your child too much credit. Young children don't have evil plans to frustrate or embarrass their parents. A young child's world is right there in sight, at the end of his or her nose. Your child doesn't enjoy throwing a tantrum any more than you enjoy dealing with a tantrum.

How to respond: The best way to react to your child's tantrum is to ignore as if you lose your cool or give in to your child's demands, you've only taught your child that tantrums are effective. In case your child throws tantrum at home, you should react as nothing is affecting you and your work. Once your child cools down you must speak to them and try to make them understand that if they show anger their act wont be responded, however if they need something, they should speak calmly. Once you make them understand they do listen to it.  Preventing Tantrums: Once you observe your child and get to know the situations when they show tantrums probably you can prevent them from such situations by taking some precautions. Lets check out some of them.

• To stop temper tantrums, there is only one thing to do. The child throwing the tantrum must never get what he or she wants! Even if what the child wants is something good.
• When a child throws a tantrum, immediately take him or her to a room and stay with him until the screaming stops.While in the room, don't give any attention to the child, except to prevent him from hurting himself or you, or damaging items in the room. The less attention he gets, the less satisfying the tantrum will be. Is it hard? It is unbelievably hard. But, you must do it.
• When the child finally winds down, he will fall asleep or stop crying. If he falls asleep, take him to bed. When he wakes up or if he does not fall asleep, take him onto your lap and speak to them with love and care. Try to make them understand that tantrum doesn't work but proper use of words do work.  

• Try to establish a daily routine so that your child knows what to expect. Stick to the routine as much as possible, including nap time and bedtime. It's also important to set reasonable limits and follow them consistently.
• Young children understand many more words than they're able to express. If your child isn't speaking or speaking clearly, you might teach him or her sign language for words.
• To give your child a sense of control, let him or her make appropriate choices. Like what would you like to wear? Then don't forget to compliment your child on his or her choices.
• Always praise your child's good behavior.
• Avoid situations likely to trigger tantrums.
• Stem your own rising frustration level. Tantrums can raise blood pressure and stress levels in parents as well as children. If you really can't handle a tantrum, make sure the child will be safe and spend a few moments away from him or her. The time-out has a calming effect for both of you. Get your spouse or other responsible person to look after the child while you calm down.
• Do not discipline physically. This conveys three unhelpful messages i)that you are out of control ii) that hitting is an acceptable behavior and iii) that feelings should be suppressed and not vented.

I hope the above information will help you to prevent your child from throwing tantrums. You should also read our article "Discipline your child" which has lots of important information you would require to understand your little ones activity.

(Sources: mayoclinic.com, ehow.com)