Temper tantrums Flashcards
Features
The tantrum is a feature of the ‘terrible twos’ toddler whose protestation to frustration is a dramatic reaction of;
- kicking
- shouting
- screaming
- throwing or
- banging of the head.
Consider autistic disorder.
More likely to occur if the child is tired or bored.
Management
Reassure parents that the tantrums are relatively common-place and not harmful.
Explain the reasons for the tantrums and include the concept that ‘temper tantrums need an audience’.
Advice
Ignore what is ignorable:
parents should pretend to ignore the behaviour and leave the child alone without comment, including moving to a different area (but not locking the child in its room).
Avoid what is avoidable: try to avoid the cause or causes of the tantrums (e.g. visiting the supermarket).
Distract what is distractable: redirect the child’s interest to some other object or activity.
Praise appropriate behaviour.
Medication
has no place in the management of temper tantrums.
