Temper tantrums are a very common and and normal part of a child's development. Unlike most adults children do not have the same sense of self control when it comes to matters like these. It is best to try and keep these fits from happening in the first place. One thing is to make sure they are getting enough attention from you, and have something to entertain and stimulate their minds. When you know your child is tired, do not try to push large activities or trips on them, as this will be sure to cause confliction. When one does arrive, keep in mind that they can feel your emotions as well, and try to stay as calm as you can. If they see they are getting to you, it could make things worse. Try to understand how your child feels, they may only require a little bit of comfort. Just remember that staying calm but being firm is the key. Make sure they know that you are in charge, but still love them. Let them know what you expect, and do not give in to them just be firm and state your ground. But do not reward your child after a tantrum by giving in. This will only prove to your little one that the tantrum was effective. Instead, verbally praise a child for regaining control.

You're absolutely right - she's not doing either of them any favors by caving and giving in to what he wants. I have a friend who does that too but worse: He disciplinces the kid, but then the mom goes behind him and gives the kid what he wants - she totally undermines my friend's authority.

There's two ways to handle it: the most effective way is to ignore the tamtrum all together. Her making a scene or giving into the tantrum is just reinforcing the idea in the child's mind that if he freaks out enough, he'll get his way. In giving NO reaction, she is no longer giving the child the power. The problem with this is that it sounds like he's already too far gone and may actually start breaking stuff if he was ignored which is a HUGE problem, especially in public places (like the store or out to dinner). That's another issue all together.

So, the next thing is simply leaving the place immediately and putting the kid in time out. I mean TIME OUT, like the corner - and he has to STAY there. For instance, if they're at the store and the kid melts down because he can't have Capt Crunch (or whatever) it's time to leave. Without a word, take the child to the car and let him scream and yell until he's done but he's not going to get his way. She's the adult and needs to be the bigger person.

I tried a tanntrum a few times when I was a kid and my mom straight up left me screaming in the middle of the grocery store (well, she went to the next aisle, not LEAVING the store entirely)!! I got the hint quickly.

Hope that helps - I know it's frustrating, but the way she's going, she's going to have a bratty kid. Nobody wants that.

Hi,

I read your question and felt empathy to the situation, I just wrote an article about:

"How to Handle with Your Child Temper Tantrum?"

I think it can help her a lot...