If your child is getting frustrated playing with puzzles, you can teach new skills such as how to find and match pieces of the puzzle and how to ask for help. This is also a good time for skill building. It is important to provide developmentally appropriate activities for your child to prevent unnecessary frustration. Instead of abruptly ending the activity, remind the child that the activity is about to end or change with simple statements such as, “After playing with your toys, we will pick them up together,” or, “In five minutes we will stop playing and start picking up your toys.” Tantrums and disruptive behavior often occur during the transition from one activity to another, such as leaving the park, picking up toys after playing or getting ready for bedtime. Experts suggest a flexible daily routine, a sequence of events that occurs around the same time each day so that the child knows what to expect.Īpproach transitions mindfully. This does not mean the child needs to follow an excessively rigid schedule. psychologist Belinda Najera, Psy.D., who focuses on culturally responsive treatment delivery and has worked with children, adolescents, college students and their families since 1992.īuild consistent routines and schedules. “There really is not a way to prevent all tantrums during this period of your child’s development, but one can make an effort to decrease or do away with the behavior through consistent responding and skill building,” says L.A.
They may be concerned for the wellbeing of their child, or they may find it difficult to regulate their own emotions. Parents may feel puzzled about how to act in the heat of the moment. When a child begins yelling, crying, kicking, whining and complaining that is out of proportion to an incident or situation, it can be frustrating, uncomfortable or embarrassing for parents or caregivers – especially when this behavior is displayed outside the home in front of bystanders. Tantrums are a common childhood experience, particularly if you are parenting kids ages 18 months to 4.