Tantrums & Discipline

This is one that a lot of momma’s are crying for help, wondering what they can do and how to deal with tantrums.

Well, don’t lose your mind just yet. I have some ideas for you.

Let me start by saying that you are doing nothing wrong and this is not your fault. It’s a part of our kids growing up. (I’m sure we threw tantrums when we were their age) It’s simple: they want something, you don’t allow it or give it to them, they throw a fit thinking in their own tiny minds that something might change and you’ll give in. I know that it’s hard and extremely difficult to watch your child scream and cry while kicking whatever is in their way, but you have to set a standard and a routine.

Initially, YOU have to toughen up and be strong so that you can conquer this. Second, try different methods of dealing with it. When one doesn’t work, don’t give up right away and most importantly don’t give in. Try another method. And keep trying until you find your balance with them. I know that it’s hard and exhausting, but definitely do-able. I do want to mention that when they are being good praise them and tell them they’re doing good. Promote the good behavior. Use the words ‘thank you’ often. Ex. “Thank you for cleaning up your toys.” Doing this will encourage them to behave good for the most part. You should also have a daily routine so they know what you expect from them everyday.

Here are some ideas I think for the most part work really well –

• The old-fashioned time-out. Set up a designated area where they will be on time out somewhere more quiet like a room. A lot of times this does work, but it might not work you and your child. Don’t lose your sh*t just yet, try another method.
• Taking away their privileges. When taking a time out doesn’t work take away their favorite game or toy, take away tv privileges (they shouldn’t be watching too much tv anyway) for the rest of the day. Again, this might or might not work for your child, but it is definitely something you should try.
• Creating a reward system. This is my absolute favorite method and I will be using this for years to come with all my kids. I also think that this idea shouldn’t just be for behaving badly, this can be something you can do anyway to have fun with your child and interact which is crucial. Create a board or sticker chart and tell them once they earn a certain amount of stickers they get a reward. And if they earn more stickers they earn an even bigger reward. Things like, they can pick a movie to watch or for more stickers earned they can choose from a list of places they want to visit. This method in my opinion, will work wonders. It’s a great way to teach many things. Another great option is you can use this method for a child that doesn’t like to sleep in their own bed. For every night they sleep in their bed they get a sticker. And if they skip a night they have to start from 0 stickers all over again.

Those are just a few methods that are great to try and my favorite is definitely creating a reward system. Remember to communicate with your child and tell them why they should not be doing something. Tell them the consequences. But there’s no need to give them lengthy explanations. Keep it brief and to the point because they won’t be listening very long.

I hope that this post was helpful for you. Let me know what you try and what works best for you!

Have a fabulous Monday wherever you are in the world (free of tantrums, hahaa)

With lots of love,

Mariam