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Don't Do This If Your Child Is Being Naughty: Causes of Childhood Tantrums
13.05.2024 00:30
Every parent knows that tantrums and outbursts of anger in children are commonplace.
This is an integral part of childhood, when the world around is full of novelty, and emotions overflow and require an outlet. But how important it is in these moments not to lose vigilance and react correctly!
After all, it is the reaction of adults that determines how quickly the hysteria will end and what lessons the little person will learn from it.
Don't forget: children's tears and screams are not a whim, but a way to express their feelings and needs when words are not enough. And the parent's task is to hear and help, and not to aggravate the situation.
Causes of children's tantrums
It's not always easy to understand why a child suddenly starts crying or getting angry. But if you look closely, the reasons are often rooted in the most mundane things.
Physiological needs can become triggers: fatigue after a day full of impressions, hunger that we sometimes do not notice ourselves, or unpleasant sensations from wet clothes.
The emotional background also plays a role: stress from a change of scenery, the desire to be noticed and hugged, or simply anger from the inability to do what you want.
And in psychological terms, hysteria is often the first step towards independence, an attempt to understand where the boundaries of what is permitted are and how far one can go in one’s desires.
Understanding these causes helps adults not only cope with the current crisis, but also prevent future ones.
What not to do if your child is being capricious
Ignoring your toddler when he's at the height of his emotions may seem like a simple solution, but in reality it can make the tantrum worse.
The child feels lonely and misunderstood, which means he needs to scream even more to be heard.
Shouting or, especially, physical punishment is not only useless, but also harmful. It can leave deep scars on the child's psyche and teach that force is the only way to solve problems.
Concessions and bribery may seem to solve the problem quickly, but this is only a temporary effect.
Such actions teach the child that whims are a sure way to get what he wants and in the future he will use tantrums as a tool for manipulation. It is important to find a balance between inattention and spoiling in order to help the child cope with emotions and teach him adequate ways to express his feelings.
Effective methods of responding to children's whims
Staying calm and firm are the keys to successfully dealing with a tantrum-throwing child.
It is important to set clear boundaries: the child must understand that some forms of behavior are unacceptable, but at the same time feel support and love.
Redirecting your child's attention to other activities or objects can be a real lifesaver. Instead of focusing on the negative, offer a game or activity that can engage your child and help them forget about the cause of their discontent. It is equally important to show your child that their feelings are important and understandable.
Empathy and willingness to help cope with negative emotions is the foundation on which trust and understanding between parent and child are built.
These methods not only help resolve the current situation, but also develop in the child the ability to cope with their emotions in the future.
Opinion of pediatricians and child psychologists
Experts in child health and psychology agree: Responding to tantrums requires patience and understanding.
Paediatricians and child psychologists stress that it is important not to set an example of aggressive behaviour for children and not to use methods that can aggravate the situation.
Instead, they recommend paying attention to warning signs of fatigue or irritability to prevent tantrums before they start.
Expert advice also includes tips on creating a stable daily routine and ensuring enough time for rest and play, which helps children feel more secure and calm.
Additionally, it is important to take the time to develop self-regulation skills and emotional intelligence, which will make your responses to stress healthier and more constructive in the long run.
Reacting correctly to children's whims and tantrums is an art that requires from parents not only knowledge, but also sensitivity, patience, and sometimes a fair amount of creativity.
It is important to remember that each child is an individual with his or her own characteristics and the approach to each child should be individual.
There is no universal recipe for how to calm a capricious child, but there are principles and methods that will help make this process smoother and less stressful for all participants. And remember: every tantrum is not only a test for parents, but also an opportunity for the child to learn how to be a strong, independent and emotionally healthy person.
Previously, we talked about useless parenting techniques that should be abandoned .
