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LIFESTYLE & COMMUNITY

Psychologist Say Asking Kids Questions Can Help Fighting Tantrums

Date September 19, 2019

Author By Deanna Walker

Whining, crying or screaming, kicking, hitting, and breath holding. Can you guess what we are getting at?

Psychologist Say Asking Kids Questions Can Help Fighting TantrumsMarcel Jancovic / Shutterstock.com

Tantrums come in all shapes and forms and can be frustrating for any parent. Although most children have tantrums when they are toddlers and in early childhood years, older children might experience them sometimes. Tantrums, in fact, are a normal part of a child's development and a common way for them to communicate that they feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and experiencing other emotions they can't express in words.

Psychologist Say Asking Kids Questions Can Help Fighting Tantrumstoddler who hits, aggressionRefat / Shutterstock.com

For parents and everyone in a mile radius, however, this kind of a child's behavior might be unbearable.

Thus, we have one effective method for you to prevent your child from meltdowns.

Psychologist Say Asking Kids Questions Can Help Fighting TantrumsDirima / Shutterstock.com

Whenever an uncontrolled outburst of anger happens, in a calm and benevolent manner, try to ask them the following question:

"Is it a big, a middle-sized, or a small problem?"

And when they reply, suggest thinking about the solution together, propose different options. This simple question will get your child's attention and give them a minute to calm down.

Psychologist Say Asking Kids Questions Can Help Fighting TantrumsYuganov Konstantin / Shutterstock.com

Children’s psychologists, in fact, explain why this phrase can be helpful for fighting tantrums:

  1. The kid feels we accept and respect their emotions;
  2. The question distracts and makes them assess the situation;
  3. By asking this question, parents give the child a chance to control and solve little problems themselves.

Psychologist Say Asking Kids Questions Can Help Fighting TantrumsAndrii Zastrozhnov / Shutterstock.com

Because toddlers can't yet say what they want or feel, a frustrating experience may cause a tantrum. Thus, parents should not be hard on their kids. When their language skills are only starting to develop, tantrums become less likely to happen. Be patient and cold-minded in your endeavor!

READ ALSO: Mom Ignores Her Toddler's Tantrum And Store Manager Immediately Puts An End To It

The material in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a certified specialist.