The Best Tantrum Tricks

We gathered advice from real moms (and a dad!) on how they maneuver around their child's meltdowns.

By Linda DiProperzio

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Give Her a Squeeze

"It sounds crazy, but sometimes when my 4-year-old throws a tantrum, I give her big hugs. It works almost every time -- if I can control my own temper and anger to remember to give her a big squeeze. I guess it makes her feel safe and reminds her about how much I love her. Normally, after a big hug, we can talk more rationally and address what started the tantrum in the first place."

-- Chris Harbison, West Islip, New York

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Comments (29)

anonymous wrote:

With my first child, tantrums in public were because I shopped 15 minutes too long, and then when I said no to anything he'd just lose it. He couldn't stop himself. I knew it would go on till exhaustion set in, so I picked him up and took him to the car, and buckled him in his seat. The car ride eventually would relax him enough for him to be able to get a little control. I know it was my fault, because he was usually asleep by the time we got home.

4/5/2012 07:05:41 AM Report Abuse

jennifer4 wrote:

This works well! I also found another article that is really helpful! Anything helps!! http://58686z9xaghj8x6k5h09mhrc0u.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=GJ2H7DLJ

3/3/2012 09:45:17 PM Report Abuse

Sanaajaber wrote:

I totally agree. I do that with my son. It always works. You just have to change the atmosphere in the area. I encourage every mom to try it.

3/1/2012 01:09:41 PM Report Abuse

cardenacademy wrote:

Great ideas! Thanks for sharing....

12/27/2011 02:47:37 AM Report Abuse

smithfam39 wrote:

I am a mother of a 3 1/2 yr old boy and we have just entered the tantrum stage! While I am a huge advocate of positive reinforcement, I feel that hugs (at certain times) may reinforce bad behavior?

8/12/2011 11:42:24 PM Report Abuse