Tantrums

This word implies such a lot to so many people that I think you can write a book on different approaches on dealing with them, as well as discussions on the quality of the tantrum and the responses received. Let's look at a couple of these...

This holiday we went to the South African Museum in Gardens, Cape Town it is really a tremendously exciting place to take any kid, and our group of children ranged in ages 23 months to 17 years, skipping years here and there. We had spend a good 2 hours in the museum with the children running and watching and touching and playing where ever possible and marvelling at the animals and the whale chamber, posing for photos in the jaws of a shark. Mia was getting visible tired and I wanted to get her into the garden where we would hook up with the rest of the crowd in a couple of minutes. Rigard decided to force walk her out of the museum, or something in the likes, which obviously ensued and ended in a mayor tantrum. Mia flung herself on the floor screaming whilst flaing arm and legs and head explained exactly her frustration at being so mistreated. Tourists from around the world stopped and stared. Rigard decided this was a photo op and video taped a couple of seconds, which felt like minutes to. After she calmed down we continued the tour with Rigard a save distance from her.

What was the lesson?
- Do not force walk her out of a building?
- If she creates a scene; make the most of it?
- Make sure you have an exit strategy?
- Treat your child the way you would like to be treated?

Maybe all or any of these; regardless of what you take from this story tantrums are a part of life and dealing with it will determine how much of a hold it would have on your parenting style.

For some more stories on tantrums please see below:
The funnier side of child with Autism - this is a great story of an alternative tantrum and regardless of whether your child suffers with Autism or not; you will be able to find the lighter side in dealing with tantrums; and just raising children in general.

Toddler Tantrums; The Terrible Two's  - this story outlines how children are different and needs to be treated differently in order achieve the same goal.

Unpleasant Conclusions - outlines a couple of grown-up tantrums.

Moms, don't underestimate temper tantrums - outlines when you should start worrying about your child's tantrums.

Regardless of how you view tantrums they are a part of parenting, and dependant on how you deal with them they will either rule your life, or just a way for your toddler to blow off some steam, if they are unable to deal with their emotions in another way.