Temper Tantrums:
Kids Corner

Aired on Superstation WGN
Saturday, June 4 and September 24, 2005
Show 215

You love your kids. I mean how couldn't you? They're the perfect little angels all the time. Yeah, right. One of the challenges we all face as parents are those inevitable temper tantrums. It's pretty natural to wonder how can kids go from being these perfect little peanuts into raving maniacs in seconds. But they do. Newborns and babies are pretty happy as long as their basic, physical needs are met. But then come the terrible twos. Most children at this age don't talk much. They have trouble asking for things and expressing their feelings. They have very few problem-solving skills, and they get frustrated and a tantrum erupts. Tantrums are most likely to happen when toddlers are hungry, exhausted or overexcited. Preventing them can be tricky, but once you know the warning signs, you can head them off at the pass. First, make sure your child is getting enough attention. Catch your child being good and reward them for positive behavior. Tell your child what they may do instead of what they can't. Give your child choices and control over some things. Apple juice or orange? Once the tantrum starts, keep your cool. Don't give in and give them what they want. It's an easy solution, but only causes more problems in the long run. Take the child to a quiet place to calm down and don't try to discuss the tantrum with a child under three. They're simply too young to understand. The biggest thing to remember is there will come a day soon, when those temper tantrums will end. Then all you have to be dealing with is your husband's whining