Temper Tantrums
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Temper Tantrums
Temper tantrums are outbursts or disruptive and unpleasant behaviors. These outbursts are more likely to occur in young children in response to their unaddressed needs and desires. Children who cannot express their wishes or feeling due to lack of vocabulary or control their emotions in frustrations are more likely to have temper tantrums. Tantrums are natural during early childhood as children begin to understand they are separate from their parents. They might start after infancy, worsen at two, then gradually reduce at four years after which they hardly occur. Professionals suggest that hunger, pain, sickness, or fatigue increases the frequency of temper tantrums in early childhood.
Besides, professionals emphasize that temper tantrums are normal in children during development and should not be cause for alerts. A calm response to the situation can help reduce child reactions. For instance, hitting or shouting at the child worsens the situation making the parent even more stressed. It is advisable to create a more peaceful atmosphere to reduce stress. Besides, gentle distractions can also reduce tantrum severity or length in children. Such disturbances include making funny faces, changing to activities the children enjoy, or taking them to more quiet places until the distraction successfully ends.
Ignoring the behavior is another successful approach towards tapering temper tantrums. The argument is children sometimes have tantrums to seek attention. Ignoring them may reduce the length or severity of their temper. Parents can go to other rooms when their children are having tantrums provided they are safe and undestructive. The absence of an audience to their attention-seeking behavior may shorten the temper. Sometimes, some children may continue their tantrums or follow their parents in search of attention. It is appropriate to show disinterest until the action stops. Later, parents can offer way forwards, alternatives, or discussions of distressing issues with calmness and understanding. It is important to note that the safety of children is guaranteed during the ignorance of undisruptive behavior.
There are suggested interventions for preventing tantrums. Proper diet and sleep routines can help prevent temper tantrums. For instance, parents can read stories to their children before sleep, so taking naps regularly or quiet time helps prevent tantrums. Other effective interventions include offering choices, giving a reasonable level of freedom, or inviting them to do certain things rather than ordering the children. The sense of independence makes them more likely to follow the rules and express their feelings in a less disruptive way.
In case the tantrum persists, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that a physician can be sought where children have temper tantrums beyond the age of four. Also, where the child has nightmares, breathing problems, anxiety attacks, headaches, it is proper to seek medical attention. Parents who cannot control their anger and are likely to react aggressively to their children when having tempers should also seek guidance.