VOCABULARY TODAY

TANTRUM

Definition from:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tantrum

Main Entry: tan•trum
Pronunciation: \?tan-tr?m\
Function: noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1714
: a fit of bad temper

Childish behavior infiltrates our adult lives when we are not guarding ourselves against juvenile tendencies. Our major news outlets have spent hours of coverage the past two weeks on these episodes. You may tend to become fixated on these actions due to the amazing irresponsibility of adults.

Child psychologists and other professionals that deal with this behavior suggest many ways for parents and adults to put an end to the bad temper. It is an outpouring of emotion set off by not getting wants or desires. If you are a parent or have seen a child in the cereal isle at the grocer, you will relate to what is on your evening news. The correct way to handle the situation is as follows:

From NASP
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/behavior/tantrums_ho.aspx
Post-Tantrum Management
• Never, under any circumstances, give in to a tantrum. That response will only increase the number and frequency of the tantrums.
• Explain to the child that there are better ways to get what he or she wants.
• Do not reward the child after a tantrum for calming down. Some children will learn that a temper tantrum is a good way to get a treat later.
• Never let the temper tantrum interfere with your otherwise positive relationship with the child.
• Teach the child that anger is a feeling that we all have and then teach her ways to express anger constructively.
•
When this tantrum morphs into physical harm to the child acting out or others around it, professional help is needed immediately.