Deal with Tantrums in a Mindful Way
Kids have tantrums; it’s a normal part of growing up. But it can feel overwhelming for both them and you. As a Child Development Specialist, I have met many moms and dads. They ask, “What do I do when my child yells and kicks and cries? “And when it feels like nothing is helping?”.Punishment isn’t the path to helping them grow. It is mindful parenting. This is when you keep your composure and stay connected with your child.You want to understand why they’re so upset. When we pause to see the reason, rather than reacting quickly, we can feel more connected. This can help them feel better. Let’s look at three key steps to help with tantrums. 1. Understand the ‘Why’ Behind the Tantrum Tantrums can be caused for various reasons. A child might be tired or hungry. There may be too much going on. Or they might have complex feelings that they cannot express in words. Instead of calling them “wrong,” try to understand them and make a meaningful decision regarding the situation. A family meeting is a good time to have a conversation with your child. Do it when you are both relaxed. You can say, “Do you know when you were sad today?” Let’s talk about what it was. “We can find a new way to act next time.” This small act is a big help. It teaches emotional regulation. It is a good start to holistic child development. 2. Respond, Don’t React It should be considered wrong to rule out our actions when a child is angry. When your child yells, it’s natural to feel like yelling back, but that makes it worse. So take a few deep breaths. Use active listening parenting. Lower yourself to their level and look into their eyes if they’re open to it. Say something like: “I see you are sad.” I am here for you. Let’s take a breath.” This is a form of nonviolent communication. It helps your child feel seen, safe, and soothed. It shows them how to face complex feelings with no shame or fear. This is a skill for life. If your child is too upset to talk, just be there for them. Let the intense emotions settle. Being calm shows more than words ever could. 3. Prevent Future Tantrums with Connection & Routine Mindful parenting is not only about what you do during a tantrum. It is also for the before and after. Make a strong bond with your child. Have one-on-one time, set some guidelines to perform activities, and do toddler activities. It reassures your child in moments of anger and during times of change. The way you can guide your child is not through punishment. They are through mindful teaching. Some positive discipline strategies for toddlers are: These tools and conscious co-parenting help you to work with your child, not just tell them what to do. If you are together or not, try to talk all the time. Share what you care about. Respect your child’s feelings. These are key parts of the conscious parent’s way of life. Conclusion: Tantrums Are Opportunities for Growth Tantrums can be difficult. They’re not just negative; they can be moments for growth. They are a time to get closer to your child. With mindfulness parenting, we can turn tantrums into times of trust. They can help kids get stronger and help them understand their feelings. Tip: Make a “Calm Corner” in your home. It can be a soft space with pillows, toys, or books from the Best Parenting Books. These things help kids calm down. Show them that this is a space for comfort, not for fear. Don’t forget to see us on Instagram, and YouTube for more good ideas. For any new info, click here to see our recent press releases.Want to know more about how to implement conscious parenting techniques at home? Go to Vedangi Brahmbhatt’s website. You can explore ways to get help, join a class, or see what resources we recommend.