Ignore them for a bit, show that the screaming doesn't get rewarded with attention.

After a while the tantrum will progress from being angry to being scared, because they're a bit overwhelmed at the strength of the emotions they're feeling. You'll be able to tell when this happens, 'cos you know your kid. With my lad it was when he became less vocally coherent, and more blubby/snotty via the nose.

At that point, cuddles, soft voice, explain that it's OK.

Important thing to remember is they're not being naughty, when they get to that scared stage - they are new to this, they haven't figured out how it works yet.

When calm, explain why they can't have chocolate, why the sky can't be green, why Thomas the Tank Engine won't talk to them, whatever it is that kicked the whole thing off.

Super important: in that first bit of the tantrum, when they're acting up, fully in control, and know what they're doing: NO ATTENTION. Don't teach them that screaming makes Mum and Dad jump to their tune. Wait until that bit has passed, and then swoop in with a reassuring shoulder to snot on.

It lasts longer than just 2yo too, sometimes.

Posted By: Arizona Bay on November 6th 2014 at 10:52:58

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