5 Ways to Stop a Tantrum Before it Starts

When your child throws a temper tantrum it can be difficult and frustrating to deal with. Sometimes a temper tantrum is unavoidable, but if possible it is always best to head the tantrum off before it starts; and here are some ideas that may help.

1. Divert the Child?s Attention
If you want to see a well-behaved child, just look for an attentive parent. Frequently tantrums occur because a child is hungry, tired or just plain bored. Often the tantrum is just a child?s way of asking for some attention. So if you are always one step ahead of the child with some shiny thing to distract bad behavior, then you will rarely see a tantrum. How you redirect your child?s attention depends on their age. While a slightly older child may be distracted with conversation or a game, a younger child may literally need a ?shiny thing? like a toy or treat.

2. Stock Your Bag
It is always a good idea to have an arsenal of small toys on hand for just this purpose. That way if you find yourself in a situation where your child is becoming restless and you cannot simply get up and leave, then you have something that you can use as a distraction. Be aware though, that the distraction will only last for a while, and you are going to have to address the underlying need, lunch and a nap, soon. So keep key rings, calculators, tiny note pad and pen in your purse along with a snack bar in your bag to use when you get caught with a tired child and not toys.

3. Snacks are Lifesavers
Food is one of the all time best distractions in the world, and sometimes it is even the underlying cause for the growing irritability. If you always have some healthy snacks like raisins, cheerios, crackers, pretzels, granola bars or fruit chews, you can keep your child happy and a having a tantrum will never even enter their mind.

4. It is All About Choices
Sometimes a tantrum is a child?s way of wielding power. If they do not want to do something, they may dig their heels in, and the battle is on. So you may want to always offer them a choice of two different things to let them feel like they have a choice in their world. For example, instead of telling them that it is bath time, you may simply ask if they would prefer a bubble bath or bath crayons this evening. By giving them a choice as to how they will take their bath, the bath suddenly becomes their idea.

5. Routines Help Build Habits
Back to the well behaved child and the attentive parent. This does not mean that the parent gives the child everything that they want. It means that the parent knows what a small child needs, and they provide it for the child. For example, if a child has a routine and structure to his life, there is certain comfort in that. Humans are creatures of habit, and frequently a child behaves well simply because they are in the habit of behaving well. By sticking to a schedule, a parent also ensures that a child has adequate food and rest, and all of these things help make a happy child. Happy children do not have tantrums.

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