Dealing with a Tantrum-Throwing Child, Here's How to Handle It!

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Tantrums are a normal part of a child's development, especially around the age of 5. What is a tantrum? A tantrum is an extreme behavior in children that tends to be aggressive, unpleasant, and often involves a sudden outburst of anger.

"A child who whines, throws tantrums, rolls on the floor, and screams loudly can be experiencing a tantrum," explains S1 Midwifery Lecturer IIK Bhakta Nareswari Diska Nugraha SST MKeb. Children have not yet fully learned to control their emotions, so they express them through tantrums.

Nareswari explains that the symptoms of tantrums can vary for each child. Here are the symptoms of tantrums based on different age groups of children:

• Children under 3 years old: crying, biting, hitting, kicking, screaming, and throwing objects around.
• Children aged 3-4 years: similar to those under 3 years old, but with added whining, stomping their feet, and slamming doors.
• Children aged 5 and above: tantrums take on a broader form, such as intentionally breaking things and threatening people around them.

Furthermore, factors that influence the occurrence of tantrums in children include:

• Feeling blocked from getting what they want.
• Inability to express themselves. Young children often cannot articulate their desires, leading to frustration and outbursts.
• Unmet needs. Parents should provide sufficient space for active children.
• Parenting style. Some parents may indulge their children, but this can have negative consequences. When a child's desires are not met, they are more likely to become angry, leading to tantrums.
• When a child is tired, hungry, or unwell.
• When a child is stressed and feels uncomfortable in their environment.

If a tantrum occurs, mothers do not need to panic. Tantrums are a normal condition. Mothers can handle tantrums using the following methods:

1. Give a Hug

A hug can soothe a child's overflowing anger. However, the hug here should be a tight, wordless one. Mothers simply need to hug their child tightly and stay quiet. Motherly hugs create a sense of security and calmness in the child.

2. Stay Calm, Don't Yell

A mother's behavior sets an example for the child. If a mother deals with problems by shouting, the child may adopt that behavior. Therefore, it is essential to remain calm when a child is having a tantrum.

3. Help the Child Do What They Can't

Tantrums can be caused by something as simple as a child's inability to accomplish a task they desire. For example, a child may struggle to tie their shoelaces, leading to frustration and eventually a tantrum.

If this happens, the initial step a mother can take is to gently ask the child what is making them angry. After that, the mother can help the child achieve what they want.

4. Allow the Child to Vent While Staying Calm Nearby

Often, a child having a tantrum just needs to release their emotions momentarily. Therefore, let the child be angry when having a tantrum. The mother simply needs to stay quietly nearby. However, if the child becomes physically aggressive, such as throwing objects, the mother should intervene immediately.

5. Avoid Punishment

When children experience tantrum symptoms like anger and throwing things, mothers should avoid punishing them. Punishment can trigger trauma in children.

In addition to dealing with tantrums, mothers can also take steps to prevent them. If you are aware that your child is prone to tantrums, Nareswari offers tips for preventing tantrums:

• Recognize habits that lead to tantrums in your child.
• Provide companionship for your child during play and difficult situations.
• Offer guidance on acceptable behavior using positive and pleasant language.
• Praise your child when they do not have tantrums according to agreements.

The key to dealing with a tantrum-prone child is patience. Mothers do not need to rush. Avoid scolding or raising your voice. "The tip is to provide gentle touch and communicate with a kind tone," says Nareswari.

Apart from how to handle tantrum-prone children, there are many other interesting topics you can watch on the IIK Bhakti Wiyata YouTube channel.