How can I help my child better control his tantrums?
March 3, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Erik Heinze
Dear pediatrician,
I am reaching out to you because I am very concerned about my child. My son, Max, is 4 years old and has been experiencing frequent and intense tantrums lately. These tantrums occur mainly when he does not get what he wants or when he is in a situation that he finds unpleasant. During these episodes, he screams, throws objects, and is difficult to calm down.
I am wondering how I can help my child better control his tantrums. I would like to understand what could be the underlying causes of his behavior and how I can help him express his emotions appropriately. I am also concerned whether this is a normal phase of development or if his behavior could indicate an underlying issue.
Could you please provide me with some tips and advice on how I can help my son cope with his tantrums? Are there specific strategies or techniques that I can use to calm him down and teach him to express his feelings in a healthy way? I want to ensure that he learns to control his emotions and handle them appropriately.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Thomas Schaaf
Dear Thomas Schaaf,
I thank you for your trust and for reaching out to me for advice regarding your son Max's tantrums. It's understandable that you are concerned and looking for ways to help him cope with his emotions.
Tantrums in 4-year-old children are not uncommon and can have various causes. At this age, children are developing their self-control and emotional regulation, which can sometimes lead to intense reactions when faced with frustration. It's also possible that Max may have difficulty expressing his needs and emotions verbally, which could be causing the tantrums.
It's important for you to try to understand what triggers his tantrums. Observe his behavior closely and try to identify the situations in which the tantrums occur. There may be certain patterns that can help you identify the causes.
To help Max cope with his tantrums, you can use various strategies. First and foremost, it's important to stay calm and respond calmly, even when it's difficult. Try to connect with him and make him feel that you are there for him and want to help. Set clear boundaries and be consistent, but also be empathetic and supportive.
It may be helpful to talk to Max about his feelings and help him name them. You can also show him alternative ways to cope with frustration, such as deep breathing, self-soothing, or taking a break. Praise him when he handles his emotions in a positive way to reinforce his behavior.
It's also important to consider if there may be other underlying issues contributing to the tantrums. If the tantrums occur frequently and persist over a longer period of time, it may be worthwhile to seek professional help to address any possible underlying issues.
I hope that these tips and advice can help you in supporting your son Max in dealing with his tantrums. If you have any further questions or need assistance, I am here to help.
Best regards,
Erik Heinze
