Controlling Temper Tantrums - Parenting Advice For A Happy Family

Stopping temper tantrums is not always easy. The best way to stop them is actually not stopping at all - it is prevention

Distraction Methods

Silly Questions - My favorite method is to calmly try and redirect the attention to something else that is not as emotionally charged. This could be with a simple question like, 'Did you have Butterflies For Breakfast?' - Something silly and weird normally works best.

Physiological Changes - This one isn't as fun as the silly question, but if you can get your child to change their physical state, like their breathing, their stance, their smile - it will have an impact on their ability to deal with the emotions involved with a temper tantrum. Examples: Breathe deep, follow-the-leader and walk around, look at the ceiling/look at the back of your head (funny on little kids!)

Gross Motor Expression - With my own son, there were times that he just needed to get some really large muscle groups moving to get himself under control. You can do this with bear hugs, play an 'escape game' where they are wrapped up in a blanket (not over the head!), and have to get out. He loves that one! Be creative!

I highly recommend you read Ashley's guide on parenting. It provides even more details on methods of preventing temper tantrums! Get it at ParentingAdviceThatWorks.info

When it comes to working with our children it can be so very difficult. Raise your hand if you have ever had a day that included ANY of the following:

* Exhausted Day And THEN Parenting
* Not much sleep and kids want to play
* You are sick and you have to prepare meals
* You have a big deadline and their homework is due tomorrow
* You just cleaned the floor and your muddy children come in
* ....the list can go on and on

If ANY of the above have happened, remember back to how you felt. Did you feel like yelling? or stomping your feet? or maybe just crying a bit. Did you want to talk to anyone or be told what to do at that point?

If you are anything like me - you wanted to throw a temper tantrum yourself. But we don't get that luxury. We are the parent and we need to behave ourselves. Just remember those feelings and realize that when you are trying to stop a tantrum - their emotions are Raw, Intense, and Focused on Themselves

Ashley has some great strategies she teaches so that it is less like you will throw your own temper tantrum. You can get the details and watch her video at ParentingAdviceThatWorks.info