Mastering the Art of Dealing with Baby Tantrums: Effective Strategies and Tips

What happens when tantrums become overwhelming or seem to occur too often?

When it comes to babies, tantrums are a normal occurrence – and are a healthy way to express their feelings and needs. However, when tantrums become too frequent or intense, they can be quite frustrating for parents. Here are some tips on how to handle baby tantrums effectively.

What are the causes of tantrums?

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk.

Anyone who has ever dealt with a tantrum toddler knows that it can be a frustrating and draining experience… But, what causes these seemingly irrational outbursts of emotion? In most cases, tantrums are actually a normal and developmentally appropriate response to stress or frustration.

Tantrums may be triggered by things like hunger, tiredness, or fear. As children get older, they may have tantrums in response to not getting their way – or having to transition from one activity to another. While tantrums can be challenging, it’s important to remember that they are usually a sign that your child is struggling to cope with strong emotions.

Some parents think tantrums are attempts to challenge them… But, every baby is unique in his steps towards independence. In any case, these are the most common causes of tantrums:

They want to do something that is not allowed
They want to do something they can’t
They cannot express their needs or desires (language development often helps reduce tantrums)
They don’t feel well
They cannot get the attention they want

What are the best ways to handle tantrums?

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It’s inevitable. At some point, every child will have a tantrum – and as any parent knows, tantrums can be frustrating, exhausting, and even embarrassing… But, before you lose your cool, remember that tantrums are a normal part of childhood development. With that in mind, here are a few tips for handling tantrums:

Stay calm. It can be tempting to yell or threaten punishment when your child is throwing a fit, but this will only make the situation worse. Instead, take a deep breath and try to remain calm. This will help your child feel safe and secure – and it will also set a good example of how to deal with difficult emotions.
Give your child some space. When a tantrum is happening, it’s best to give your child some room to calm down. This doesn’t mean you should ignore them – just let them know that you’re there if they need you, but that they can have some time alone if they want it.
Offer some guidance and support. Once your child has calmed down, it’s helpful to talk about what happened and why they were feeling so angry or upset. This can be a good opportunity to teach them how to express their emotions in more appropriate ways. For example, you might suggest that next time they’re feeling mad, they try counting to 10 or taking some deep breaths.

Anticipate ‘delicate’ moments

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One of the most powerful tools in your parenting arsenal is the ability to anticipate and navigate those ‘delicate’ moments that often trigger tantrums in babies. By proactively addressing potential triggers and creating a supportive environment, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of tantrums occurring in the first place.

By establishing consistent daily routines for meals, naps, playtime, and bedtime, you provide a sense of stability that helps them feel secure and in control. Predictable routines reduce anxiety and uncertainty, minimizing the chances of tantrums erupting due to disruptions or transitions.
Hungry or tired babies are more prone to meltdowns. Regularly monitor your baby’s feeding and sleeping schedule, ensuring they are well-rested and adequately nourished. Plan activities and outings around their meal and nap times to avoid pushing them beyond their limits, reducing the likelihood of tantrums triggered by hunger or fatigue.
A safe and stimulating environment can work wonders in preventing tantrums. Baby-proof your home to minimize potential hazards, allowing your little ones to freely explore their surroundings. Offer age-appropriate toys and activities that engage their senses and keep them entertained.

Make your child forget what makes her angry

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Watching our children experience anger can be challenging as parents. However, equipping them with the tools to let go of anger and move forward is a valuable life skill.

Begin by acknowledging your child’s feelings of anger and letting them know it’s okay to feel that way. Create a safe space for open communication, allowing them to express their emotions without judgment. Validating their feelings helps them feel heard and understood, laying the foundation for letting go of anger.
Encourage your child to express their anger by actively listening to their concerns. Give them your undivided attention, maintain eye contact, and provide supportive verbal and non-verbal cues. By listening attentively, you demonstrate that their thoughts and feelings are valued, helping them release some of the emotional intensity.
Artistic expression can be a powerful outlet for children to release their anger. Provide art supplies, such as paper, colors, or clay, and encourage your child to draw, paint, or create something that represents their anger.

Accompany him

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Accompanying your child during moments of anger is crucial in providing support and guidance. Here are ways you can effectively accompany your child through their anger:

As a parent, it’s essential to remain calm and composed when your child is experiencing anger. Your own emotional stability will help create a safe space for your child to express their feelings. Stay patient, even if their anger seems overwhelming, and avoid reacting impulsively.
Physical touch can provide a sense of security and reassurance to your child. Offer a hug, hold their hand, or sit close to them while they navigate their anger. Physical comfort helps them feel supported and loved during challenging moments.
Practice active and empathetic listening by giving your child your full attention. Allow them to express their anger without interruption, and reflect back their feelings using empathetic statements. For example, you can say, “I understand that you’re feeling angry right now because…”

Calmly but firmly point out unacceptable behaviors

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When faced with aggressive behavior such as biting, hitting, or throwing things. Be firm and let him know this is not acceptable. When addressing unacceptable behaviors in a calm yet firm manner, consider the following approach:

It’s important to maintain a composed demeanor when pointing out unacceptable behaviors to your child. Take a deep breath and ensure that your voice remains steady and measured.
Be direct and specific when discussing the unacceptable behavior with your child. Clearly state what they did wrong and why it is considered unacceptable. Avoid generalizations or vague statements that may cause confusion.
Clearly communicate your expectations for appropriate behavior and the consequences that may follow if the unacceptable behavior continues. Make sure your child understands the potential outcomes of their actions and the importance of adhering to acceptable standards.

Don’t give complex explanations

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At this age, they cannot understand the reasons behind an order. So keep the explanation of the tantrum in the simplest terms.

Using simple and straightforward language helps ensure that your message is clear and easily understood by your child. Complex explanations may confuse them or dilute the main point you are trying to convey.
Complex explanations can lead to tangents or unnecessary details that may distract from the main issue at hand. By keeping your message simple, you can maintain focus on addressing the unacceptable behavior directly without getting sidetracked.
Consider your child’s age and comprehension level when addressing unacceptable behaviors. Younger children, in particular, may have difficulty understanding complex explanations.

Don’t try to physically restrain him

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When dealing with challenging behaviors, it is important to avoid physically restraining your child. Physical restraint can escalate the situation, potentially leading to increased resistance or aggression. Instead, consider the following alternatives:

If possible, provide your child with choices to redirect their attention and behavior. Present alternative activities or options that are more acceptable and engaging. This can help shift their focus away from the challenging behavior and towards a more positive direction.
Encourage your child to engage in calming techniques when they are feeling overwhelmed or upset. Deep breathing exercises, counting to ten, or using a calm-down corner or space can help them self-regulate their emotions and behavior.
If you find it challenging to manage your child’s behavior without resorting to physical restraint, seek support from professionals such as pediatricians, therapists, or behavioral specialists. They can provide guidance and strategies tailored to your child’s specific needs.

Handling your baby’s tantrums is not that hard if you know what to do

Dealing with your baby’s tantrums on a daily basis can be a real headache… But, the more you understand his emotions and emotional limitations as a baby, you will find the best way to handle the situation. Just don’t lose your patience and inform yourself as best as possible so that you can support your baby during a tantrum.

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_{Feature Image: Photo by Polina Smelova}