Whether it happens at home or at the mall, a temper tantrum is never a welcome experience. As anyone can attest, it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve encountered it, each creative new presentation feels like the first time, and we flounder, quickly racking our brain for a way to Just. Make. It. Stop! We’ve got your back. Browse our list of tried and true (and sometimes unexpected!) ways to get your little one back on track.
1. A distracting question can be a lifesaving tactic, capable of halting hysterics before they’re fully underway. As we all know, tantrums are not relegated to the terrible two’s. Next time your child begins to stomp and scream, calmly ask them where the dog is, what’s that brown spot on the wall, or "Did Sarah like the drawing you made for her at art today?" Watch the waterworks switch off as they stop to answer you.
2. Have twos, threes and fours? Break out into song. We're not kidding. Watch as they either join in, or watch you in awe. As they say, music soothes the savage toddler.
3. Threats of taking away a coveted toy may sound harsh, but sometimes you've gotta resort to this very effective tactic. It works best on the older set, but be sure to follow through with your threat. You can always return the toy a few hours (or days) later for good behavior.
4. Ignore it. Yes this is a hard one, but a few minutes of raging out to an uninterested audience (you) can make your child give up when the theatrics aren’t garnering the attention they’re looking for.
5. Make ‘em laugh! Get in touch with your inner clown and do something super silly to turn that frown upside down. Soon your little one will be laughing instead of crying, and so will you.
6. Sometimes outsmarting an outburst can be as easy as running soothing, warm bubble or colored water bath with all your kids’ favorite water toys. All they’ll want to do is get in and play, and of course the warm water will naturally calm them down, hopefully all the way down to sleepy town!
7. Get Santa involved! This works all year round, even in the middle of summer. No kid wants to be reported to the big-bellied guy in red, so let them know you’ll tell if they don’t get it together, and fast! The best holiday gifts for kids are at stake!
8. When all else fails, a good hug may be all that your tot needs to feel calm. This may not work every time on every kid, but when it does, it’s gold-for both of you!
Check out Time Out New York Kids' blog for more fun lists and stories, and our top 101 things to do with kids in NYC to keep busy!
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