Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Oh no, please don't throw a fit!

One of my least favorite roles of parenting was that of observer to the temper tantrum.  Even now, although my sons are 24 and 21, I can remember those days like it was yesterday.  I felt helpless and lost.  Everything I tried to help calm them never worked.  I'd threaten, bargain, tease, anything to get them to stop.  Over the years I have learned that the power of a tantrum is fueled by questions and comments.  I have changed my practice to now move a child to a safe space and say, "When you need me, I'm right here."  This approach has had a much higher level of success.   There's no doubt I am gonna be a much better bubbe than I was a momma!

This article shares a study that explains the process of a tantrum.

Deconstructing Temper Tantrums