Defuse an Angry Outburst

Temper tantrums are typical in children.  Learn techniques that defuse difficult moments.

Difficulty Level: Easy      Time Required: 10 minutes

Here's How:

1. Do not respond with anger or threats.
2. Put on soft music.
3. Sing a silly song.
4. Put on headphones and dance around the room.
5. Speak softly, so the child has to pay close attention to what you're saying.
6. Try to redirect the child to a positive activity.
7. Have a snowball fight with cotton balls.
8. Set a timer and give the child a specific amount of time to stop.
9. Count out loud, ask your child to count with you.
10. Sit near the child and begin reading an age appropriate book to the child.
11. If necessary, remove the child from the area or remove yourself.
12. If a time-out is required, the rule of thumb is one minute per child's age.
    
    

Tips:

1. Stay consistent each time that an outburst occurs.
2. Do not give into the child's demands, or you will reinforce the value of outbursts.
3. Always accentuate the positive behaviors in your child.