Deal with toddlers’ tantrums patiently

Anyone who has raised children or grown up with siblings knows there are some bumpy times in a child's life.

When the smallest upset causes a major tantrum. Or when it’s close to impossible to get them out the door on time for school. Or when your adorable angel acts like a wild animal.

But some children’s tantrums, irritability and defiance well exceed that typically found among healthy children of the same age. This can be overwhelming for the best of parents, especially as children advance in age.

And it doesn’t help that reactions from loved ones and strangers often leave parents feeling judged for their defeats in the disciplinary arena.

Over the past decade, a research team at the The University of Sydney's Child Behaviour Research Clinic ( CBRC) has treated aggression, non- compliance, rule- breaking and excessive tantrums in children aged two to 16.

Scientists have revealed how parents can deal with toddlers’ temper tantrums According to Professor David Hawes, from The University of Sydney, parents should:

Reward good behaviour with affection and short bursts of attention

Praise actions that represent a change in behaviour. For instance, rewarding children for tidying away their toys when they previously left them out.

Respond to bad behaviour with a clear explanation of what they are doing wrong.

If they continue to misbehave, place them in a “time out”. Time out is an isolated, boring place where they have to sit for a period of time, for example two minutes.

This means that the best interventions not only reduce problem behaviours, but also help children build solid skills in self- regulation. Such foundations form the base of their mental health in childhood, adolescence and adulthood.