When your child throws a tantrum, what do you do?

happy2008-01-09T06:53:06Z

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I have a child who has high functioning autism. She is an expert in throwing tantrums especially in crowded places such as busy supermarkets. I do tend to try to avoid places like this where the sensory overload will be too much for her but sometimes we have to go shopping. She will swear at me, kick, bite and hit me. I ignore all this so she will then lie on the floor and scream. I tend to stand close to her but totally ignore her. Many people have come up to me and said what a badly behaved child she is and why don't I do something. I usually reply she is autistic and this is all part of her condition. After a while she will realise she is not getting the reaction she wanted and will get up. We usually then leave the shop. I find watching other people threatening their children over and over again but not actually doing anything is very frustrating to the child. The only way to cope with a temper tantrum is to remain calm and not to react to the child. If you say to the child I am going to take you outside, then do it. Show the child you mean what you say. Fortunately most children do grow out of temper tantrums and are just finding out how far they can push you.

Timawa2008-01-09T07:15:55Z

tantrums are done by children for the purpose of attention seeking. paying attention to such acts shall be very rewarding on the part of the child, thus, the best, simplest, and safest thing to do is to ignore. when the child is being ignored everytime he does tantrums, the goal of attention is then frustrated, hence, there is a greater possiblity that the child shall not do it again.

i really hope i helped you! have a nice day! ^_^

Will H2008-01-09T06:45:34Z

let him keep throwing the Tantrum don't let the child know his or her antics are bothering you one bit. when the child comes down take away the toys. If it is a Public Tantrum the same goes except you when it happens this means it is time to go. just carry him and go home and take away their most valuable possesions. the trick is not to let the child know they are annoying you. don't waste your time talking during the tantrum.

deanne0332008-01-09T13:02:02Z

I threw really terrible tantrums when I was a child. My parents wouldn't say a word. Just walked away and ignored me until I was finished. If you are in a public place, start to walk away, say "We're leaving." Young children don't want to be separated from their family and will get up and follow you if there is a threat of them being alone. These things caused me to quickly outgrow my childhood tantrums.

Good luck and have patience! It WILL pass. :]

Anonymous2008-01-09T06:46:16Z

by punishment, i don't mean the physical kind...but something that is negative that he doesn't like, maybe ignoring him if he wants attention, or taking something he loves away from him, it depends on the situation. It is so that thechild can associate throwing tantrums to leading to a negative outcome.

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