[ex3xu]

I took some tips from a book titled How to talk so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk - they suggest to try to help kids label their emotions, and then reaffirm those emotions are valid (even if they can't get what they want). They have various kid-friendly techniques for this in the book, one that worked for a couple of the worst tantrums I had to defuse is getting them to draw a picture of how mad they are.

[actfrench]

Love this book. It's so important to allow children feel their feelings, allow those feelings and let them pass through them. A tantrum is a cry for help: what do they need, sleep? food? just to vent a little bit? The more you push those feelings down the more you grow. However, it's important to honor your own needs for quite and peace of mind too. If you're having trouble because you need quiet and peace, you can express those needs to your child. They may not listen but it's good for them to know. Kids are much like adults. When needs are expressed well and non-violently with sound reasoning and released expectations they often get met.