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Don't use bribery. Does she really deserve a cookie for going to bed on time or not misbehaving at
grocery store? By doing this you will only encourage her to break rules to get a treat.
Don't react to her by yelling at her to be quiet. This will probably only upset her more. Sometimes in midst of an outburst it is hard for a child to regain composure. Help her to calm down by giving her some quiet time in her room. Offer her a cup of water to help her relax if she is hyperventilating.
Sometimes children have tantrums because they want your attention. Look at situation. Have you been watching tv, reading a book, or talking on phone? If your child hasn't had much "mommy time", she may be trying to tell you something. Once she has calmed down from her tantrum, try setting some time aside just for her.
If you are in a public place, remove child from situation if you can. Go to car or restroom until she calms down.
When to call doctor.
If you are concerned that your child's tantrums are extreme or more frequent than they should be, call your pediatrician for help. If your child injures herself or others, destroys property, has frequent nightmares, regresses in potty training, faints, has stomach aches or anxiety attacks consult your doctor.
Patty Hone is a wife and mommy to three kids. She is also co-owner of Justmommies.com. Justmommies is an online community of moms sharing the joys and struggles of motherhood. Message boards, chats, articles, parenting, pregnancy info and more. http://www.justmommies.com.
