Tantrum Taming HotTips from Parenting Magazine NZ

REMEMBER .... with children

• you can't reason them out of a tantrum, so arguing and explaining in the heat of the moment is wasted energy.
• Children have varying tolerances for different kinds of stimulation. You first child may have loved being out every day, but your second may need a bit more down time to maintain energy levels.
• When the tank is nearing empty, children can be overwhelmed by the offer of too many choices. There are times when it is kinder for Mum or Dad to call the shots until the little one is fed and rested.

..... with adults

• A parent who is comfortable and confident to say no from time to time will have a child who can tolerate being denied occasionally. If we are afraid to be the bad guy, our children should be forgiven for thinking being told 'no' is pretty disastrous.
• Most tantrums fizzle and die without an audience. Leaving the room and shutting the door (as long as your child is safe) is an effective way of timing yourself out and getting some space while they calm down.

This Hot Tip was taken form the WInter 09 issue of Parenting NZ Magazine