What to do about tantrums?

Question

My 10 months old is a hellian when it comes to tantrums. He cries insesently if he doesn't get what he wants. How can I rid him of this bad habit?

Answer 1

Tantrums are very normal.  My daughter is 2 and she still has them.  Don't ever cave and give in during a tantrum.  No matter how loud or violent the tantrum gets.  Stick to your guns.  Make sure he is in a safe place during a tantrum and then just walk away and ignore them.  I would stand outside of the room just to make sure she was ok.  Sometimes she would throw herself down on the ground hard.  Now timeouts work good with her.  If she starts having one I tell her she can either stop it or sit in time out.  He may be a little young for time outs though.  And if you are in public be prepared to leave.  But caving will make them worse.  And try to stay calm  as frustrating as it can get. But don't worry this is completely normal.

Answer 2

If he is not hurting himself or others during the tantrum then ignore them. The lack of attention will quickly extinguish those tantrums

Do keep in mind though that meltdowns are normal for all ages; especially infants and toddlers who lack the language capabilities to express their emotions.

Answer 3

talk with him calm him down be a good mom

Answer 4

What I do with my son (and it's an ongoing process, believe me) is every time he throws a fit, I pretend I don't hear or see him.  I say "mommy can't help you if you throw a fit" and I go to another part of the room and do the dishes or straighten up or something so he knows I'm not listening.  When he is moslty calm, I ask him to show me (or tell me) what he wants and then I try to divert his attention to something else if it's something I don't want him to have.

The key is consistency - if you let him get away with this behaviour because you have friends around and you don't want to seem mean, or you give in because you are tired, it won't work.

never enter into an argument with a toddler, it won't work.  Simply telly them "I know you wanted 2 cookies, but one is enough right now.  Why don't you pick out a book to read?" or "Why don't we go on a walk?"

Good luck

Answer 5

Diversion.   Bath time.

Answer 6

Im in the same boat. Basically, they're 10 months old. not much you can do because they really dont know or understand anything yet.

What is it he wants? a bottle, to be held? If he's hungry then feed him, babies go through growth spurts and sometimes they eat like they've never eaten at all. If he wants to be held, you need to hold him.....he's a baby, he needs comfort. try sitting on the floor with him and playing with toys or blocks. Stay with him, at this age they develop separation anxiety. It will go away but beware it comes back at about 18 months.

Crying incessantly is not a tantrum, he needs something.

Answer 7

Reverse psychology.  Praise when good - ignore when bad.  As hard as it may seem (and it will take a good 1 to 2 weeks) you MUST ignore and NEVER give in to his demands (unless its not a tantrum but you can tell the difference).  I learnt the hard way with my first son he was a terror but I promise you if you stick to your guns your son will soon realise that a tantrum is not going to get him what he wants.  Because he is so young, it will be much easier now than if you left it to say 2 or 3 years old (ike me :-( ).  You dont want him setting the rules you are his mother and what you says goes (and he wont like it but will get over it really quickly.)

You sound like a great mother and I wish you all the best!  Its the hardest job in the world being a mother but get it right at the start and things will run alot smoother!!