Tantrums are very common in childhood. Many times it is a child’s only way to express feelings of fatigue, frustration or anger. They generally begin to occur around the second year of life however, many occur sooner. They also decline as a child’s vocabulary increases and their sense of frustration and anger have other outlets. But often parents report children tantrum even when it seems their child could express themselves more effectively.

One of the reasons this happens is due to the response children get when they tantrum. As a parent, grandparent, caretaker, do you try to ‘talk’ the child out of their tantrum? Do you become angry and punish your child or do you give in to their demands just to stop the noise? Any of these responses are attention. Your child has gotten your full attention.

To decrease tantrums parents or caretakers need to remove all attention. After assuring yourself that your child is not in any pain or danger remove all attention. This means, don’t look at, talk to, or attend to the tantruming child.

Your child may increase the volume and frequence to see if they can get your attention again. If you remain consistent and ignore all attempts the child makes for attention you will elminate tantrums. it is that easy!

to make sure your child gets good attention be sure and smile, hug or praise your child when they calm down and use their words.