Temper tantrums can be a common occurrence if you have a little one. It’s a lot easier to stop a tantrum that’s just starting than one in high gear. These tips can also help you soothe your agitated child.
WHAT TO DO FIRST
If your child is yelling and screaming, ask him to come to you instead of asking him to stop screaming. It can help to change environments, which will remove the child from the source of the temper tantrum. When your child stops crying (if necessary give a 5 minute time-out), talk about the frustration the child has experienced. Try to help solve the problem if possible. Teach the child new skills to help avoid temper tantrums such as how to ask appropriately for help and how to signal a parent or teacher that he or she knows they need to go to “time away” to “stop, think,” and “make a plan.”
Thrifty Cures!
To treat the ears even more directly, I have had excellent results using herbal and oil drops, found in health food stores, usually made with garlic, mullein flowers, and olive oil. Before application, place the closed bottle in a glass of hot water to gently warm the oil for a few minutes, as cold oil does not relax the ear canal.
Have the person with the earache lie down on their stomach with the painful ear facing upward, while putting 2 or 3 drops of oil in the ear. Pull down gently on the earlobe to facilitate the oil getting into the ear. The oil helps with the pain and to fight infection. It is best to treat both ears, even if only one seems afflicted, as infection may be present though not discernable.
Teach the child how to try a more successful way of interacting with a peer or sibling, how to express his or her feelings with words, and how recognize the feelings of others without hitting and screaming. Teach children how to make a request without a temper tantrum and then honor the request.
It can also be helpful to reflect back what they are feeling without any judgment, such as “Maybe you’re angry because you can’t watch TV.” Make it clear that despite her feelings, there are boundaries to her behavior. “Even though you are angry, you must not yell and scream in the store.”
The best way to bring these feelings under control is to express your love and concern. Reward children with positive attention rather than negative attention. During situations when they are prone to temper tantrums, catch them when they are being good and say such things as, “Nice job sharing with your friend.”
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR TEMPER TANTRUMS
Homeopathic Chamomila (6C) is used for children who are irritable and difficult to please, as well as for those with a low pain threshold. (It is also well known for its soothing effect on infant colic and teething.) Do your best to get 2 or 3 pellets into their mouth, which will quickly dissolve.
Chamomile is a gentle relaxant that tones the nervous system for those prone to temper tantrums. It helps restore an exhausted nervous system and relaxes muscles. Chamomile before bed also helps prevent nightmares. It can be given as a tea, 1/2 cup (120 ml) 3 times daily.
After an episode, a warm (not hot) bath scented with 5 drops of lavender essential oil also has a calming effect.
OTHER TIPS FOR AVOIDING TEMPER TANTRUMS
The following are some additional tips that may help you avoid temper tantrums in your little one:
1. Give children control over little things whenever possible by giving choices. A little bit of power given to the child can stave off the big power struggles later.
2. Keep off-limit objects out of sight and therefore out of mind.
3. Distract children by redirection to another activity when they tantrum over something they should not do or cannot have. Say, “Let’s read a book together.”
4. Signal children before you reach the end of an activity so they can get prepared for the transition. Say, “When the timer goes off 5 minutes from now, it will be time to turn off the TV and go to bed.”
5. When you are visiting new places or unfamiliar people, explain to the child beforehand what to expect. Tell them you are there to support and protect them and that they are safe no matter what.
GOOD TO KNOW!
If tantrums occur frequently, see if there is any common food that has been consumed: sugar, artificial color, grains, dairy products, peanuts, citrus, or soy. Allergens and food sensitivities can cause inflammation, which may be affecting brain chemistry.
6. Do not ask children to do something when they must do what you ask. Do not ask, “Would you like to eat now?” Say, “It’s suppertime now.”
7. It’s also important to recognize and avoid flash points. Kids are more likely to freak out when they are tired, hungry, or feeling rushed.
KEEP IN MIND
Family tension can be something that kids pick up on and can manifest itself as a tantrum.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR M.D.
In very rare instances, a child who becomes emotionally upset and holds her breath may have a true seizure. Some neurological problems can also cause seizures, so your doctor may want to evaluate your child to make sure she is in good health. If tantrums increase in frequency, intensity, or duration, consult your child’s doctor. Also seek medical attention if the child is self-injurious, hurtful to others, depressed, showing signs of low self-esteem, or is overly dependent on a parent or teacher for support. Your pediatrician or family physician can check for hearing or vision problems, chronic illness, or conditions such as Asperger’s syndrome, language delays, or a learning disability, which may be contributing to your child’s increasing temper tantrums. Your physician can also direct you to a mental health professional who can provide assistance for you and your child.
This Natural Remedies For Temper Tantrums article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
