You’ve just said “no” to that extra cookie, and your preschooler is suddenly sprawled on the floor, wailing as though the world is ending. It feels dramatic—almost personal—but here’s the truth: it’s not.
Preschoolers don’t have the same control over their emotions as adults. Their brains are still developing, especially the part that helps with self-control. Let us understand this in depth through this article.
Do Children Realize They Are Throwing Tantrums?
- Tantrums Are Not Intentional: Children in play group age lack the ability to plan or intentionally throw tantrums. These outbursts are emotional reactions rather than deliberate behaviours.
- Limited Emotional Regulation: Young children have not yet developed the skills to process or articulate their feelings, making it challenging for them to manage emotions like frustration or disappointment.
- No Logical Reasoning: A child’s tantrum is not rooted in logical thinking but in their inability to cope with overwhelming emotions at the moment.
- A Call for Empathy: Understanding that tantrums are not manipulative but instinctive helps parents respond with patience and guidance instead of frustration.
How to Handle Tantrums
Dealing with tantrums can be tough, but it’s important to remember that your child isn’t trying to upset you. Here are some tips to handle these challenging moments:
- Stay Calm: It’s hard, but try not to yell or get angry. Your calmness can help soothe your child and show them how to handle emotions.
- Acknowledge Their Feelings: Reassure your child that you can see that they are upset. This helps your child feel heard and understood.
- Distract or Redirect: Sometimes, getting your child to focus on something else can stop a tantrum before it escalates. Offer a toy, sing a song, or suggest a new activity.
- Teach Coping Skills: Over time, help your child learn words to express their feelings, like “I’m angry” or “I’m tired”. You can also show them ways to calm down, like taking deep breaths.
- Avoid Giving In: If your child learns that tantrums lead to getting what they want, they’ll keep using them. Stick to your rules, even if it’s hard at the moment.
- Praise Good Behavior: When your child handles a tough situation without a tantrum, give them lots of positive attention. This reinforces their efforts to manage emotions.
Prevention is Key
While you can’t prevent every tantrum, you can reduce the chances of them happening:
- Keep Routines: Regular meal times, nap times, and playtimes help children feel secure and less likely to get overwhelmed.
- Offer Choices: Let your child make small decisions, like picking their snack or choosing a game. This helps them feel in control.
- Notice Triggers: If you know certain situations lead to tantrums, plan ahead. For example, bring a snack if errands run into lunchtime.
Conclusion
Tantrums are a normal part of growing up. They’re not a sign of bad parenting or a difficult child. Instead, they’re opportunities to teach your preschooler how to handle their emotions and navigate the world. So, the next time your child throws a tantrum, understand that they’re learning, and you’re there to help them every step of the way. Learn more about such positive parenting tips with us on Podar Prep Preschool’s Instagram page.