So your child’s tantrums shoot off the Richter scale? You’re not alone. While you might not be able to stop them completely, here are ways to turn down the heat…
By Fiona Gibson
Let’s do something more interesting instead...
Whenever possible, stop a tantrum before it properly starts by distracting your child from the source of frustration.
Spotting the triggers
If there are obvious triggers that send him into the stratosphere, it makes sense to avoid them if you possibly can.
Hold me close
The public tantrum is harder to handle.
Quiet play
It’s not only adults who can be tired and emotional.
‘Why me?’
Unfair though it seems, children tend to throw more tantrums when they’re with the person they spend most of their time with – and that pr
Older... and wiser?
Although most children stop throwing tantrums by around four or five, some still have furious outbursts when they’re much older.
‘What about me?’
Certain events can trigger more flare-ups than usual – like the arrival of a new baby sibling.
Picking your battles
If certain evens tend to trigger an outburst, consider whether they’re worth the drama involved.
‘Mummy, get off the phone...’
Tantrums can also be an effective way of grabbing your attention – witness your child bellowing as soon as you start chattin
Time for treats
Research suggests that the vast majority of tantrums are triggered by a parent saying ‘no’ – so, no matter how much he roars for an ice lo
