Parenting Tips for Children Who Have Tantrums: Simple Ways to Stay Calm and Help Your Child
Parenting tips for children who have tantrums can save your day. If your child screams, kicks, or drops to the floor, you are not alone. Most kids do this between ages 1 and 5. It feels scary, but it is normal. This guide uses short sentences and easy words so every parent can understand. You will learn why tantrums happen, what to do right away, and how to make them happen less. You will also get extra help for bedtime, dinner, stores, and more. By the end, you will feel strong and ready.
Tantrums happen because little kids have big feelings. They want to do things themselves. But they don’t have enough words yet. A small “no” can feel huge to them. UNICEF says tantrums are a normal part of growing from 1.5 to 5 years old. The Raising Children Network says they are very common at ages 1 to 3. Knowing this helps you stay kind instead of mad. It also helps you teach your child better ways to show feelings.
Why Tantrums Happen Every Day
Your child is not bad. Their brain is still learning. They get hungry, tired, or bored fast1. When they can’t have a toy right now, they feel stuck. That stuck feeling turns into a tantrum. It is their way of saying, “Help me!” Sometimes they just want to see what you will do. When you understand this, you can help instead of fighting. You can turn a big scream into a learning moment.
The First Rule of Parenting Tips for Children Who Have Tantrums
Stay calm yourself. Your child watches you. If you yell, they yell more. If you breathe slowly, they learn to breathe slowly. Take three deep breaths. Count to ten in your head. Tell yourself, “This will end soon.” The Child Mind Institute says calm parents make calm kids. When you stay calm, the tantrum ends faster. Your child feels safe with you.
What to Do When the Tantrum Starts
First, check that everyone is safe. Move sharp toys away. Then get down low. Look in their eyes. Speak in a soft voice. Say, “I see you are really mad.” Do not give long talks. They can’t listen yet. Just stay close and quiet. When they start to slow down, offer a hug. Say, “You are safe now.” This simple step works every time. It shows love even when behavior is hard.
How to Make Tantrums Happen Less
Give your child food and sleep at the same time every day. Hungry or tired kids melt down fast. Let them choose small things. Ask, “Do you want the blue cup or the red cup?” When they pick, they feel strong. Say “great job” when they stay calm. Praise works better than punishment. Soon they want to be calm to hear those happy words. Little choices stop big fights.
Bedtime Tantrums Can Stop
Many kids scream at bedtime. Make the same routine every night. Take a bath. Read one book. Turn lights low. Give a five-minute warning. Say, “Five more minutes, then bedtime.” Keep your voice soft. Do this every night. After a few days, bedtime feels safe instead of scary. A calm bedtime means a happy morning for everyone.
Dinner Tantrums Can Stop Too
Some kids hate sitting at the table. Let them help. They can put spoons on the table. Give tiny bits of food. Say, “You don’t have to eat, just sit with us.” When they sit nicely, smile big. Say, “I love eating with you.” Food fights get smaller fast. Soon dinner becomes a fun family time instead of a battle2.
What If Tantrums Happen in the Store?
Public tantrums feel awful. Bring a small snack and a toy. Keep trips short. If screaming starts, go to the car. Sit together. Wait until they calm. Ignore angry looks from strangers. Most people have been there too. You are doing fine. Short, happy trips teach your child that stores can be fun.
Teach Your Child Words for Feelings
Help your child name what they feel. Look at picture books. Point and say, “This boy is sad. This girl is happy.” Play a mirror game. Make mad faces, then happy faces. Teach belly breathing. Put a hand on the tummy. Breathe in slowly. Breathe out slowly. When they can say “I’m mad,” they scream less. Words are magic. They replace kicks and cries.
Fun Calm-Down Tools to Keep at Home
Make a calm-down box. Put soft toys, bubbles, and crayons inside. When a tantrum starts, bring the box. Let your child pick one thing. Blowing bubbles makes anyone breathe slow. Coloring a big red angry picture helps too. These tools turn tears into smiles in minutes.
When to Ask for Extra Help
Most tantrums get better by age 4 or 5. But sometimes they stay big. Talk to a doctor if your child hurts themselves or others. Or if tantrums happen many times every day. Or if they last longer than 15 minutes. Early help makes everyone happier. You are not failing—you are being a great parent by asking3.
You Need Calm Too
Being a parent is hard work. Drink water. Call a friend. Step outside for one minute. Walk around the block. Take a shower. You cannot help your child if you are empty. You are a good parent even on tough days. Self-care is part of good parenting.
When your kids grow into teens, talking gets harder. Start good habits now. Later, read this helpful guide: What Are Five Tips for Teens Communicating with Parents?. It shows how today’s calm talks build tomorrow’s strong talks.
More Parenting Tips for Children Who Have Tantrums
Never give in to screaming. If you give the cookie to stop the cry, your child learns screaming works. Stay firm but kind. Say, “We can have a cookie after dinner.” Then stick to it. Consistency is the secret superpower of happy families.
Use “first-then” words. Say, “First we put on shoes, then we go to the park.” This helps your child wait. Waiting is hard for little kids. Your clear words make it easier.
FAQs – Your Questions Answered in Simple Words
Why does my 2-year-old scream every morning?
Mornings are rushed. Kids wake up hungry or confused. Try a slow start. Give milk and a hug first. Play soft music. A calm morning stops many tantrums.
What if time-out makes my child scream more?
Some kids hate being alone. Try “time-in” instead. Sit together on the couch. Hold hands. Breathe together. It feels safer and teaches calm faster.
How do I handle tantrums at grandma’s house?
Tell grandma the same rules you use. Bring the calm-down box. Keep routines the same. Kids feel safe when everyone acts the same way.
My 3-year-old hits me during tantrums. What should I do?
Hold their hands gently. Say, “I won’t let you hit. Hands are for hugging.” Keep your voice calm. Move to a safe spot. Hitting stops when they feel safe and heard.
Can screen time cause more tantrums?
Yes. Too much TV makes kids tired and cranky. Try 20 minutes only. Turn it off slowly. Say, “Two more minutes, then we read a book.” Books calm better than screens.
What if both kids have tantrums at the same time?
Take a big breath. Keep one child safe first. Then help the other. Tag-team with your partner if you have one. You can do hard things—one step at a time.
How do I stop tantrums when we visit friends?
Bring snacks and a favorite toy. Tell your friends, “We might need a quiet corner.” Good friends understand. Short visits work best.
Will my child ever stop having tantrums?
Yes! Most kids stop big tantrums by age 5 or 6. They learn words and wait. Keep using these tips. You are building a calm, happy child.
Conclusion: You Now Have Parenting Tips for Children Who Have Tantrums
Parenting tips for children who have tantrums are easy when you practice. Stay calm. Give choices. Teach words. Use the same routine every day. Make a calm-down box. Take care of yourself. Your child will learn to handle big feelings. Tantrums will get smaller and farther apart. One day you will laugh about these stories. You’ve got this! You are growing a strong, kind child—and you are an amazing parent.
What time of day are tantrums hardest at your house? Share below—we are all learning together!
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What Are Five Tips for Teens Communicating with Parent
