Around the age of two, most children start to understand the concept of good and bad. Good is a fun day at the playground; bad means it’s time to go. The latter is when tantrums tend to take over. For parents, the experience can be nerve-wracking. Fortunately, there are effective ways to restore calm. Here are several methods typically used by experienced day care staff.

4 Tips for Minimizing Temper Tantrums

1. Communicate Rules First

If your child is in the midst of a meltdown, they won’t likely hear your instructions. Get in the habit of talking to kids about how to behave during calm moments. Use simple, age-appropriate language to communicate about asking for toys or extra time on the swings. Always have the discussion before leaving home and again in the car. Remind them that whining will not get them what they want.

2. Maintain Control

Day care teachers often advise parents and guardians to stay in control if a tantrum erupts. Some kids are likely to escalate bad behavior if they see the adults screaming and angry. Start by taking a deep breath. Remain calm and remove your child from the situation quietly.

3. Ignore the Tantrum

On paper, this may sound easy to do. Toddlers and preschool-age kids may still find it difficult to communicate their frustrations. When a tantrum occurs, try to ignore it. Give them a few minutes to get the outburst out of their system. Stay close and offer comfort when it passes. Gently remind them that tantrums are not the way to get what they want.

4. Encourage Consistency

Parents, guardians, and day care center staff should be a united front. Encourage everyone who is involved in taking care of your child to follow the same tantrum instructions. This includes age-appropriate consequences when the rules are broken. Consistency from everyone improves the chance that the child won’t try to get away with more based on who’s caring for them.

Temper tantrums can create stress-filled scenarios. With a little patience, control, and consistency, you can minimize the outbursts. The loving staff at Merry Manor School of Childhood in Lincoln, NE, have the experience and training to redirect undesirable behavior. The goal is to acknowledge the child’s frustrations without reinforcing them. Stop by the day care center today for a tour. If you have specific questions, call (402) 466-2215. Visit the website for extensive information about the facility, including preschool activities and after-school care.