Ask Dr Sears
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
MENUMENU
  • Brain Health
  • Coronavirus
  • Pregnancy & Childbirth
  • Feeding & Eating
  • Parenting & Behavior
  • Health Concerns
  • A to Z Topics
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Wellness Institute
  • Home
  • News
  • Sears Family Blog
  • Tantrums

Tantrums

“My 19-month-old son has started throwing these screaming tantrums. He does it at night when it’s time to go to bed, or any other time he doesn’t get to do what he wants. It started two weeks ago. It’s become an every day occurrence, what do I do?”

Don’t take it personally. You are neither responsible for his tantrums nor for stopping them. The “goodness” of your baby is not a reflection on your parenting ability. Tantrums are common when a baby starts to strive for independence.

Identify the trigger. Tantrums are usually at the worse time for parents: when they are on the phone, at the supermarket, or busy in some other way. Think about it. The very circumstances that make a tantrum inconvenient for you are what set your toddler up for an outburst. Keep a tantrum diary, noting what incites your child. Is she bored, tired, sick, hungry, or overstimulated? Watch for pre-tantrum signs. If you notice a few moments before the flare-up that your baby is starting to whine or grumble, intervene before the little volcano erupts.

The Health Brain Book

Stay cool. Temper tantrums in public places are embarrassing, often making it difficult to consider a child’s feelings. Your first thought is more likely to be “what will people think of me as a parent?” If you feel trapped and embarrassed when your child is throwing a fit in a supermarket, don’t lash out. She is already out of control and needs you to stay in control. Just calmly carry her (even if she’s kicking and screaming) to a private place, like the bathroom or your car, where she can blow off steam, after which you can quietly settle her down.

Related Articles

  • Temper Tantrums
  • Holiday Temper Tantrums
  • Troublesome Toddler Behavior

Plan ahead. To expect a curious toddler to be the model of obedience in a supermarket when he is tired and hungry is an unrealistic expectation. Shop when you both are rested and fed, and let him be your helper from the safety of his belted shopping-cart seat. Morning is usually the best time for toddler behavior; in the afternoon he’s more likely to be tired and hungry. For more tantrum information, try these two sections:

Become a Dr. Sears Certified Health Coach

Temper Tantrum Section

Dr. Jim

Dr Poo: The Scoop on Comfortable Poop
September 3, 2013 October 7, 2013 Dr. Bill Sears
The Health Brain Book
regular girl prebiotic fiber and probiotic blend for healthy natural balance

About Ask Dr. Sears

AskDrSears.com is intended to help parents become better informed consumers of health care. The information presented in this site gives general advice on parenting and health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs.

Recent Articles

  • Tips to Get The Family to Enjoy Smoothies
    Tips to Get The Family to Enjoy SmoothiesMarch 4, 20210
  • Why Vaping Increases the Severity of COVID
    Why Vaping Increases the Severity of COVIDFebruary 24, 20210
  • New Sibling in the Home
    New Sibling in the HomeFebruary 22, 20210


Resources

  • Sears Parenting Library
  • Dr. Sears Family Newsletter
  • Dr. Sears Wellness Institute
  • Prime-Time Health

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

  • support@askdrsears.com
  • Contact Ask Dr Sears
  • About Ask Dr Sears
  • About Dr. William Sears
  • Dr. Sears Wellness Institute
  • Media Relations Information


© 2020 AskDrSears.com All Rights Reserved.