The Real Parenting Show

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Welcome to The Real Parenting Show with Dr. Pete & Sara… we’re happy you’re listening. This week, we’re talking about every parent’s favorite topic… how to best handle a temper tantrum. Dr. Pete’s got some major psychological advice.

Having a four-year old and a six-year old, Sara is a tantrum veteran, and yet still struggles with the right way to deal with them. She actually confesses to locking her son in his room, explaining the circumstances and asking Dr. Pete to weigh in and judge her decision! That’s what The Real Parenting Show is all about – we don’t just list the guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, but we dive down deep into the trenches of parenting and offer crucial insight into real-life situations.

Ultimately, children need to talk about their feelings of anger rather than lashing out verbally or physically. But when the first tantrums hit, somewhere around the two-year mark, children don’t yet know the words to describe their emotions. So they act them out instead. Your goal in handling a tantrum is to let the child know that this behavior will get him or her absolutely nowhere. It is best to handle it without anger and without submission. As a child ages, the ways a parent can deal with a tantrum changes, and different kinds of children require different tactics.

Even more important than handling a tantrum is finding out what caused it so that you can try to avoid the circumstances that might trigger another outburst. Temper tantrums most often occur when a child is tired or frustrated. Consider whether you can reduce the demands on the child. If a child appears tense, a little extra attention may prevent an eventual angry outburst. Prepare your child in advance for changes in activity. Explain why a play schedule must be interrupted or why a request is being denied. Try to keep the child’s environment calm and not overly competitive.

Please note, nothing on The Real Parenting Show should be construed as professional psychological advice specific to you or your child. If you have concerns for anyone in your family, it’s important to make an appointment with a licensed mental health professional in your local area. Thanks for listening to The Real Parenting Show with Dr. Pete & Sara… and remember, even though you may not always feel like it, you are the most influential person in your child’s life! If you have any questions or topics you’d like to suggest for future shows, please comment on this blog or call 877.980.2828. Click below to listen to all of Dr. Pete’s straightforward advice and practical tips for real parents raising real kids in the real world, and we hope you’ll subscribe to get our podcast each week.

Dr. Pete and Sara are also the co-authors of Stress-Free Potty Training, A Commonsense Guide To Finding The Right Approach For Your Child (AMACOM Books, 2008). Check out our website, www.StressFreePottyTraining.com, for more information.

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