Episode Q&A 158:How to Handle Tantrums: Strategies for Parents and Children

This weeks question is from Nicole, “I have an almost-four-year-old daughter who has started having major tantrums. She hasn't had behavior issues like this previously, or at least outbursts to this level in frequency. I understand this can be a part of her age, but it feels out of hand and I'm at a loss. It seems like any little thing can set her off, and it can be up to 1-2 hours of rage and screaming. There seems to be nothing that can get her to move through it until she just comes down by herself. We’ve tried everything we can think of: Gotten angry, tried consequences, been patient, given opportunities, we've tried ignoring, separating from the situation. She’s currently an only child and I'm pregnant with my second, so I wonder if that could have something to do with the massive behavior shift. My question is: What can cause a huge behavior shift at this age, and what are the strategies for handling this?”                                          “ In this episode, I will address tantrums: what might be underlying causes, what to do when nothing seems to be working, how parents can overcome frustration, as well as in the moment and long-term strategies.  You can submit a question by emailing us at [email protected] with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com