"Tantrums are not bad behavior. Tantrums are an expression of emotion that became too much for the child to bear. No punishment is required. What your child needs is compassion and safe, loving arms to unload in." - Rebecca Eanes
What Really Helps Children During Tantrums
"Tantrums are emotional outbursts.
During a tantrum a child may meltdown, cry and scream. Sometimes children also hit, kick, bite and bang things during a tantrum. Tantrums happen when children are overwhelmed. Overwhelm can come from being scared, frustrated, tired, hungry, confused and uncomfortable.
Children of all ages can have tantrums, but toddlers in particular are more likely to have tantrums. This happens because the toddler brain is still very immature and impulsive. It is not a sign that they are naughty, bad or spoiled.
Tantrums don’t have to rule the early years and can be an opportunity for parents to offer unconditional love and guidance.
What really helps children when they are having a tantrum?" [read more]
During a tantrum a child may meltdown, cry and scream. Sometimes children also hit, kick, bite and bang things during a tantrum. Tantrums happen when children are overwhelmed. Overwhelm can come from being scared, frustrated, tired, hungry, confused and uncomfortable.
Children of all ages can have tantrums, but toddlers in particular are more likely to have tantrums. This happens because the toddler brain is still very immature and impulsive. It is not a sign that they are naughty, bad or spoiled.
Tantrums don’t have to rule the early years and can be an opportunity for parents to offer unconditional love and guidance.
What really helps children when they are having a tantrum?" [read more]
Reading Corner
Title: The Chocolate-Covered-Cookie Tantrum
By: Deborah Blumenthal
Ages: 3-6
"Sophie sees another child with a cookie, (and she's cranky and hungry and it's naptime) and she REALLY wants a cookie, but her mom says "no", they don't have one today, and Sophie has a tantrum, while her mom stands and listens and watches- she's there for her daughter without interfering, and when Sophie is done with her feelings, they go home, there is no judgement or shaming directed at Sophie for her "freak out", just matter-of-fact kindness. It's SO refreshing! I particularly like the message of the book which is that adults don't have to give children whatever they want or try to reason with them, distract them, etc.. They simply need to let children have their feelings about not getting what they want." - Amazon Reviewer
By: Deborah Blumenthal
Ages: 3-6
"Sophie sees another child with a cookie, (and she's cranky and hungry and it's naptime) and she REALLY wants a cookie, but her mom says "no", they don't have one today, and Sophie has a tantrum, while her mom stands and listens and watches- she's there for her daughter without interfering, and when Sophie is done with her feelings, they go home, there is no judgement or shaming directed at Sophie for her "freak out", just matter-of-fact kindness. It's SO refreshing! I particularly like the message of the book which is that adults don't have to give children whatever they want or try to reason with them, distract them, etc.. They simply need to let children have their feelings about not getting what they want." - Amazon Reviewer
Recommended by Cubs Editors
Be the Change
One of the biggest challenges we face as parents, is that we are judged by how we treat our children, especially when a child throws a tantrum in a large crowd. The next time you encounter such a difficult space with your child, remember to breathe, and breathe hard! Be Silent. And let the space of love emerge on its own for you to truly listen to your child's need that he/she is unable to express.
