Temper tantrums are not easy to handle, whether your child is 2 or 10, but the way you respond to a tantrum teaches your child how to manage anger.  For kids ages 2-5, it is important to stay with your child when they are having a tantrum. Direct them towards a safe place to vent their anger. You can use one or more of these methods to help your child calm down:

1. Identify your child’s feelings ‘You must be frustrated because your toy is not working’

2. Some children may like you to hold and rock them. For others, this may make them angry. See what works for your child.

3. Try distracting your child.

4. Help them try to cool off by talking or drawing about their anger. 

5. Redirect your child’s actions: blow bubbles, throw a ball, take a walk or play music. You can also use a calm down corner with soft stuffed animals and calming activities like sensory bottles, glitter jars and stress balls.

Some of the best methods to use children’s tantrums are preventative methods. Help your child pinpoint what is making them angry. Identify if there are changes at home, at school, or in their routine. Teach them to recognize their feelings and the proper ways to deal with them. Sometimes just providing choices for your child will alleviate stress and allow them to feel more in control. Try not to react to tantrums by screaming back, as this will only make things worse. 

Establishing a trustful and loving relationship with your child is key. If you notice chronic anger or depression, or major changes in your child’s sleeping or eating patterns, consult with your pediatrician and/or psychologist.