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As your child gets older, they will want to do more but often fall short of their ability to achieve it or tell you what they want from you to help them. This can be very frustrating for them and can be seen as anger or rage. This is common in children between the ages of 1-3 when they are still learning to control themselves. Although it can be very difficult as a parent to witness a tantrum, it is important to remember that your child still has the necessary skills to express their feelings. If they are not harming themselves or others, instead of suppressing these feelings, allow your child to express his feelings.
What does a person often get angry about?
Between the ages of 1-3, a child is still developing their social skills and their emotions, which is why temper tantrums are so common. Since they often do not have words to express their feelings, anger is often how they deal with these feelings and try to understand or change what is happening around them. Here are some of the things that make people angry:
- Strong emotions such as anxiety, fear, shame and anger,
- Stress, hunger, fatigue and stimulation – these can make it difficult for the child to express his feelings and therefore become more angry;
- Temper tantrums – your child’s behavior can determine how they will react to these situations. If he is a child who is quick to anger, any of the above can cause a tantrum.
How can you reduce the risk of injury?
While it’s impossible to prevent every flare-up, there are things you can do to reduce it. Some of these things are:
- Reduce stress – tired, hungry and overactive children can become irritable
- Pay attention to your child’s emotions – after a while you will start to know when high emotions are on the way and how your child will react to certain things. You can try to reduce anger by talking to your child about what is going on and helping him deal with any problems. You can also distract your child from getting angry.
- Over time, you will also notice what triggers your child’s tantrums. Learning these things will help you to avoid these things in the future or to have a plan to help reduce the risk.
How would you answer?
Your child is always looking to those around him to learn how the world works and why it is important for a child’s tantrums to be met and responded to calmly and lovingly. Some of the strategies you can use to deal with the problem are:
- Be calm or dare! This can be difficult so spend some time alone if you want to do it. When you speak, your voice should be calm and quiet.
- Recognize how they are feeling – showing compassion to your child can prevent the behavior from becoming more serious and give your child a chance to change his mind.
- Wait – Be close to your child so they know you are there but don’t try to talk to them, just let them express their feelings.
- Monitor as needed – Use your judgment here if your child is putting themselves or others at risk and you may need to intervene.
- Be consistent and gentle with your approach to anger management.
Although it can be stressful and exhausting to deal with a temper tantrum it is important to stay calm and keep things in perspective. You can’t control your child’s emotions or behavior, but you can guide him and create an environment where he doesn’t get angry.