Toddler Tantrum Tip #8: Offer Comfort Because you know your child best, you’ll know whether this is a ‘tiny tanty’ or a major blow-out, and whether he is better letting off steam by himself (with you nearby) or whether he needs to be removed from an overwhelming situation and held firmly but calmly. If your child is thrashing wildly and at risk of hurting himself or others, you can help him by using a technique known as ‘holding’. This will only work if you can keep yourself calm – the idea isn’t to restrain your child, but to help him feel secure and emotionally held. Now envelop your child by holding him with his back to you (if he kicks, he will be kicking away from you) and folding your arms over his. If he is a bigger toddler, take an arm in each of your hands and cross his arms. You can also cross your legs over his to contain his legs and prevent kicking. Hold him calmly and use a gentle tone to say soothing words (‘It’s all right, I am going to hold you until you calm down’), allowing him to release his angry feelings. He won’t be in any space to reason with and will, in any case, not be able to activate the reasoning part of his brain while he is distressed. As your tot calms, let him lie in your arms and cuddle until he is over his blow-out. Then offer him reassurance and a different, preferably quiet, activity. -Jess
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 00:06:25 +0000
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