BEHAVIOR MILESTONES: Tantrums

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Tantrums. Just the word gives parents anxiety. There are few things worse than your child having a major meltdown in public. We’ve all been that parent. Take comfort in knowing tantrums are very common with young kids. Emotional maturity takes considerable time to develop. The good news is there are simple steps to help your children learn that tantrums aren’t worth their time and energy!

One of the biggest ways to help is to give your children tons of kudos when they do control their emotions well. Kids are more likely to repeat good behavior if it is noticed and praised. Kudo Banz is an easy way to do this. Every time you see positive emotional control, give them a Kudo for their band. It is right there on their wrist so it is easy for kids to keep good behavior in the top of their minds.

KUDO STEP SUGGESTIONS:

  • Stops tantrum after 1 reminder (“This behavior is not acceptable, please stop so we can talk.”)
  • Uses words to express how they are feeling
  • Controls emotions when asked to transition (e.g. eat dinner, get ready for bed, leave playdate/party)
  • Accepts changes to a “plan” (esp if it has a negative impact on something the child was looking forward to)
  • Controls emotions when something goes wrong (e.g. toy breaks, homework is hard)
  • Accepts “no” without tantrum (e.g. no dessert, no toy from store, can’t stay up late)

PARENTING TIPS

Keep Calm: This is easier said than done when your child is throwing a tantrum in the grocery store. Take a deep breath, keep your emotions in check and calmly (but firmly) remind your child that tantrums are not acceptable behavior.
Give Choices/Warnings: It is important to give your kids a sense of control. Try and give them choices when you can. “Would you like eggs or cereal for breakfast?” “Would you like to do homework or chores first?” “What small toy would you like to bring while we run an errand?” Also, when transitioning, give a 5 minute warning so they feel they have a chance to finish up what they are doing. It is hard for anyone to abruptly stop something.
Communicate Plans: Share the day’s schedule with your kids and allow them to be a part of the plans. This will help them feel more in control and more confident going through the day’s activities. Stick to the plan as much as possible to minimize surprises.
Understand Triggers: Know the limits of your children. If they are tired or hungry, don’t attempt to run numerous errands.
Praise the Good: When your kids control their emotions well, go overboard with the praise. Don’t underestimate the power of positive reinforcement. Kids crave any attention, so our job is to encourage positive attention versus negative.
Don’t Give In: Don’t give into tantrums! Giving in is the easiest way to stop a current tantrum but it will encourage future tantrums. If tantrums get the outcome kids are looking for, they’ll do them again (and again). Stay strong and calm.

HELPFUL ARTICLES

Kudo Banz Behavior Milestones:

Kudo Banz is like an on-the-go chore chart. Positive reinforcement reinvented to meet the needs of today’s millennial families. As kids grow, they are constantly learning new behaviors. Reaching these milestones in a positive manner is where Kudo Banz comes in! We are here to help start and end behavior in a fun and positive way. Sticker charts or chore charts are often stuck at home, Kudo Banz is always there when you need it since it is right there on your child’s wrist (keeping them motivated to reach their incentive goal).

Finally, a behavior chart that works for your family and makes raising good kids easy and fun. Say goodbye to yelling and tantrums. Kudo Banz makes positive parenting simple.

Growing Happy Families.