How do you deal with a 4 year old temper tantrum?

Question

When my son does not get his way or I put him in time out, he will hit, scratch, or kick me. Sometimes he will just out of the blue hit me or throw things at me. He acts this way more when he is tired. He is a normal 4 year old and very intelligent and verbal.

Answer 1

4 is not to young to diagnose ADD and ADHD my 4 year old nephew has it and so does my 3 year old nephew they do the same thing as your son

Answer 2

my son does the same thing it is normal, sometimes you have to just let him have his temper, but i tell my son do it in your room and when your calm down come out and tell me why you are mad. there are times he does and times he just wants to keep that to himself. i dont want to pressure him too much, but as he grows he will learn that he can talk to me when he is mad. They say if you are spanking your child for trouble that is where the child thinks it is ok to hit others. just remember they do the same thing you do, ( it's like you hit me~ i hit you). people kept telling me i think your child has ADHD, i honestly dont think he does, i think this is a normal stage for a child. every child goes through it.

Answer 3

In my opinion there is no reason for a 3yr old to be kicking and screaming. When he starts a temper tantrum, put him in the corner, tell him he stays there for 4min. When 4min is up, tell him that when he calms down you will listen to him. Kicking and screaming is not a way to get what he wants.

If he kicks and screams at the park, go home. If he kicks and screams at the store, go home. Once home he can go sit in the corner.

Good luck.  

Answer 4

You can try to actively ignore him when he is in a tantrum.  For any hitting, kicking, etc. calmly put in timeout, and tell him why he's in TO.  Don't give him any more attention than absolutely necessary.  Also, if possible, put him down for a nap during the day or make sure he is getting enough sleep at night.  

Answer 5

he could have ADHD which is hyperactivity and anger i have that and i did the same thing but worse if you see a child specialist they will tell you and put him on tablets or help him with it

ADHD isnt a bad thing to have it just helps you  

Answer 6

"BED"

in a loud, but calm voice.

off he runs, yelling and mumbling.

a few minutes later, he has calmed down, and we talk about what happened.

he knows i have authority. if he goes to his bed and calms down, that is the end of the incident.

if he carries on playing up, there will be no trip to the park or no bedtime story or other treat.  

Answer 7

put him into bed, ground him, spank, tell him NO! try things that would not hurt him to bad, but to learn a lesson

Answer 8

spank him if your believe in spanking

Answer 9

He sounds like my 4 year old boy!  I try and just ignore it!  I also bought a timer so he sees me set the timer.  Whenever he throws something I say "When you throw things, (or whatever he is doing not okay) it shows me you need a longer timeout."  then I start the time over.  When he is really in a rage, I send him to his room telling him that he may come out whenever he is calm enough to take his timeout, If he comes out and is still angry, I send him back in.  When he is calm, he comes out and then takes his timeout calmly.  Good Luck!