22 Oct More About Handling Tantrums
In the November newsletter I wrote an article on Strategies for Handling Tantrums. I listed four ideas to use when your child has one of those inevitable “melt-downs.” Here are a few more things to try:
- Have a rocking chair – Many times the child who is upset needs movement. A rocking chair is an effective way of moving and relaxing all at the same time.
- Calm your child with words – Your attitude and words can be a calming influence. Say such things as “I see you are upset. What is something you can do so you can feel better?”
- Color the Anger – Have the child color what he/she is feeling. This is an effective way for the children to release their feelings.
Think about ways you can talk to your child about self-control and handling anger when he/she is not angry. For instance, tell stories about different children who become angry and ask your child to share ideas about what the children could do to regain self-control. Teach children that it is okay to be angry, but it is not okay to hurt others. Read books to your child that talk about having a bad day and discuss the books with your child.
We’d love to hear successful ways you have handled tantrums at your house. Please post your ideas on this blog.