How Do You Handle Temper Tantrums?

I know it may sound strange, but we just recently started using reverse psychology on our 26 mo son. He HATES being told what to do, like every other child in our house, and so when he starts the screaming and carrying on, we start praising him and sounding excited, like he's doing something good. "Oh, wow! That is some GOOD screaming! You are the best screamer in the whole house! ..." Believe me, he knows he's not doing something good. His tantrums have all but immediately stopped as soon as we start doing this. We only started doing it as recently as last week. Reverse psychology has worked great with our 5 and 6 yo's too and still works pretty well with them.

I know, it feels like you're rewarding them. It's actually annoying to them. It's also lightened up the mood quite a lot- we are ending in laughing more often too, which is definitely better for our family.

Here is the issue!! You are having a boy and your baby kate is feeling that the threat of losing her mommy. It is internal feelings. You are doing all the right things. Time out is great and stay consistant!! That is really important!!. One warning and then to time out. Do not speak to her until she is completely done. Make sure there is nothing in the crib for her to play with or drink . Then don't forget to praise her to death when she is good. Make it a huge deal. Make her a good girl/big sister chart and when she needs a reward she can put a sticker on it to earn a day with chuck e cheese or something to that effect. And when she has a time out she gats one taken away??? Good luck and god bless!!

According to what you have stated, it seems that your daughter is completely capable of apologizing when she does something wrong. What I do recommend is explaining to her, in terms she will understand, why you put her in time out (if you don't already). I know young children have attention span issues and will most likely not remember, but it helps reinforce the time out. Good luck!

Make it a GREAT day!

S.

I had this problem with my now 5 year old when she was 2. I was told by a child therapist to get down on the floor with her and whisper things like " I know you're frustrated and we need to figure out why". They can't hear what you say when they are screaming so they calm down and want to hear what you are saying. It worked. try it...