Tantrums in older children: simple steps you can take to help your child.

Tantrums are a normal part of childhood, but they can be particularly challenging when they occur in older children. While tantrums are commonly associated with toddlers, children of all ages can experience emotional outbursts when they are upset, frustrated, or feeling overwhelmed. As a parent or caregiver, it can be difficult to know how to respond to tantrums in older children, but there are effective strategies you can use to help your child manage their emotions and behavior.

Dr. Sarah Leff, a clinical psychologist who specializes in child and adolescent mental health has been quoted as offering the following advice for parents and caregivers dealing with tantrums in older children:

Understand the root cause of the tantrum:

Tantrums are often a result of a child feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty regulating their emotions. It's important to understand what may be triggering your child's outburst and work with them to identify and manage their emotions.

Set clear boundaries and expectations:

Children thrive on routine and structure, so it's important to set clear boundaries and expectations for behavior. This can include clear rules around behavior, consequences for breaking rules, and positive reinforcement for good behavior.

Teach coping skills:

Children who struggle with emotional regulation may benefit from learning coping skills that can help them manage their emotions in a healthy way. This can include deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or finding a healthy outlet for emotions such as drawing, writing, or physical activity.

Stay calm and consistent:

It's important for parents and caregivers to stay calm and consistent when dealing with tantrums in older children. Yelling or becoming angry can escalate the situation and make it more difficult to manage. Instead, try to stay calm and use a neutral tone of voice when communicating with your child.

Seek professional help if necessary:

If your child's tantrums are frequent, intense, or interfering with their daily life, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A mental health professional can work with your child to develop coping skills and strategies to manage their emotions in a healthy way.

Tantrums in older children can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, parents and caregivers can help their children manage their emotions and behavior in a healthy way. By understanding the root cause of tantrums, setting clear boundaries and expectations, teaching coping skills, staying calm and consistent, and seeking professional help when necessary, parents and caregivers can help their children develop the skills they need to navigate difficult emotions and behavior.