There are several ways to deal with a tantrum once it is in full swing. As children’s emotions can be difficult to dictate most of the methods involve either reasserting control or just ensuring your child cannot hurt themself whilst they work their anger or frustration out.

Here are some ways to deal with tantrums:

• Stay calm
• When you talk to your child get down to their level and try to meet their eye
• Speak assertively without shouting
• Ask your child what is wrong
• Distract them or make them laugh
• Take them to a different setting for example to a different room or out in the pram.

If reasoning, assertiveness and distraction fail then go to the fail safe answer…..

Ignore them. Ensure that they cannot harm themself (in a cot, pushchair or on the floor surrounded by cushions) and leave them. If they are likely to follow you out of the room to continue the tantrum then stay in the same room but do not look at them or speak to them. Whenever they seem to be calming down, getting tired or going from angry to sad then see if they are ready for a hug. If not then leave them. The tantrum will not last forever and they will eventually want a hug.

Although this final method seems to be the passive way out it is actually taking control of the situation and does work.