Every parent has seen tantrums. Kids cry, shout, or roll on the floor. It can happen at home, in the park, or in a shop. Tantrums can make parents tired and upset. But did you know that some mistakes by parents can make tantrums worse?
In this blog, we will talk about those mistakes. We will also learn simple ways to handle tantrums better.
Read more : Tips for Good Parenting
Reasons for Tantrums in Kids
Originally a normal thing. From toddlerhood come tantrums. Youngsters, however, do not know how to express themselves. They feel hungry, tired, angry, or sad. Lacking words to communicate these feelings, they cry or scream.
Sometimes kids want something but cannot get it. Sometimes they do not know how to wait. Sometimes they feel frustrated. That is why tantrums happen.
Parents cannot stop tantrums fully. But parents can guide children in the right way. If parents make mistakes, tantrums get worse. If parents use good methods, tantrums slowly reduce.
Shouting Back
One of the most common parenting mistakes is shouting. Parents get angry when kids scream. So they also raise their voice. This makes the child more upset. The tantrum gets bigger.
Better way: Speak softly. Bend down to your child’s level. Use calm words. Say, “I hear you. Let us calm down.” Children copy parents. If you stay calm, they also learn to calm down.
Saying Yes Too Fast
Sometimes parents give in. They buy the toy or the candy just to stop the crying. It works for the moment. But it teaches the child that tantrums bring rewards. Next time, they will cry again.
Better way: Stay firm. Say no gently. Give a reason in simple words. “We cannot buy this today. But we will have fruit at home.” Children will slowly learn that crying will not change the answer.
Ignoring Feelings
Some parents think ignoring always works. They turn away when the child cries. But kids need to feel heard. If they feel nobody understands, they cry more loudly.
Better way: Accept their feelings. Say, “I know you are sad because you wanted that toy.” This makes the child feel safe. After that, guide them to calm down with hugs, deep breaths, or a soft toy.
Harsh Punishment
Some parents punish too much. They hit or scold loudly. This is a big child discipline error. It does not teach control. It only makes the child feel scared or angry.
Better way: Use gentle toddler discipline techniques. You can give a short time-out. Or you can say, “We will talk when you are calm.” This shows love and rules at the same time.
Not Preparing Ahead
Many tantrums happen in public. For example, during shopping or travel. Parents often forget to prepare. A hungry or tired child is almost sure to cry.
Better way: Plan before you go. Carry a snack, water, or a small toy. Make sure the child is rested. Early childhood advice says planning ahead is one of the best temper tantrum solutions.
Explaining Too Much During the Tantrum
Parents try to explain rules when the child is already screaming. But kids cannot listen when they are crying. Words sound like noise to them.
Better way: Wait until the child is calm. Then explain. Say in simple words, “We do not throw things. Throwing hurts.” Teaching works better after the storm is over.
Comparing with Other Children
Parents sometimes say, “Look at your friend. He never cries like this.” This may look harmless. But it makes the child feel small. It may also create jealousy.
Better way: Do not compare. Focus only on your child. Say, “I know you can calm down. I will help you.” Positive support is more helpful than comparison.
Parents Not Staying Calm
Children learn by watching. If parents get angry easily, kids copy that. They learn to react the same way. This is a hidden parenting mistake.
Better way: Show patience. When you are angry, take a deep breath. Sometimes you might even go away for a few minutes. While you remain calm, the child might also learn to handle their feelings.
Using Distractions Always
Parents often give a phone or a toy to stop the crying. Distraction can work sometimes. But if used always, children never learn how to deal with feelings.
Better way: Use distraction sometimes, but also teach. Helping your child to name the feeling can be very beneficial. Saying, “You are angry because you wanted that toy,” will slowly teach them the norm of holding onto those emotions as they grow, rather than purely diverting attention from their distress.
Forgetting to Praise Good Behavior
Parents often pay attention only during tantrums. But when the child is calm, they say nothing. Kids then use tantrums to get noticed.
Better way: Praise the good moments. Say, “I like how you asked nicely.” Or, “You waited so patiently.” Kids feel proud and repeat good behavior.
Extra Parenting Tips to Prevent Tantrums
Keep daily routines simple. Children feel safe with routines.
- Offer small choices. “Do you want the red cup or the blue cup?”
- Teach words for feelings. “I am angry.” “I am sad.”
- Use stories or play to teach calm behavior.
- Model patience in small tasks.
- Praise often and gently.
These simple parenting tips for toddlers make tantrums fewer and lighter.
Helping Children Learn Control
Every tantrum is a chance to teach. It may look like noise. But it is also practice for life. Kids learn how to express and control emotions. Parents are the guide.
Managing kids emotions takes time. But slowly, children build strength. With the right toddler discipline techniques, they will grow calmer and more confident.
Children who feel safe and loved learn faster. They cry less as they grow. They trust their parents and learn better ways to express feelings.
Final Thoughts
Tantrums are part of early childhood. But many common parenting mistakes make them worse. Shouting, giving in, harsh punishment, or ignoring feelings can increase the problem.
With gentle parenting guidance, tantrums can be handled better. Show calm behavior. Praise patience. Prepare ahead. Guide your child with love.
Remember, parents are role models. Kids watch and copy. If you stay calm, they will learn to be calm. If you guide them kindly, they will learn kindness. Mistakes will happen. But each day gives a new chance to do better.
Read Also : How Routine and Structure Reduce Temper Tantrums in Kids?
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