Solve temper tantrums: find out how in our childcare courses in Brisbane

Just ask any parent – tantrums are can be a challenging part of looking after kids. They’re often unpredictable and disruptive… unless you know the right way to diffuse them.

Before enrolling in our childcare courses in Brisbane and Melbourne, you might be curious to know exactly what is involved when you study, and what you’ll learn. One such unit you may complete as part of your studies includes supporting the behaviour of children.

And a common behavior, especially among toddlers? Tantrums.

At Academia, we believe it’s critical you understand what may push a child to the point of a tantrum.

Most importantly, we want to teach you how to effectively diffuse a situation to restore a safe and happy environment for the children in your care.

The psychology of temper tantrums

What do you do when you’re stressed, frustrated, or anxious?

Are you the type of person who puts on their trainers and goes for a long, mind-clearing walk?

Do you retreat to your bedroom with headphones and listen to your favourite music?

Do you call a friend for a good old chat on the phone?

Whatever it is, each of us has our own way of dealing with negative emotions and anxiety when they creep up on us.

Toddlers and young children on the other hand? That’s a different story.

Tantrums don’t just appear out of thin air – behind every tantrum is some sort of stressor or emotion.

The problem is that toddlers have a limited ability to handle strong emotions, or to communicate what’s bothering them to the adults around them.

Instead, their emotions manifested as:

Kicking
Screaming
Rolling on the floor
Throwing things
Stomping feet

In other words, they manifest as tantrums!

Studying childcare? Learn how to deal with tantrums

As a child’s communication and emotional skills develop over the years, they gradually develop the tools to handle strong emotions in less disruptive ways.

Until then however, tantrums are a common way in which they deal with frustration, anger, or confusion.

Luckily for you, once you know what’s behind the tantrum, you can fix it!

Some examples include…

Strong emotions: anger, frustration, shame, anxiety – each of these can trigger tantrums
Tiredness: just like adults can get cranky when they’re tired, so too can toddlers and children
Overstimulation: if things are moving too fast or there’s too much going on, children may feel overwhelmed and scared
Hunger: children get hangry (“hungry” + “angry”!) too – they’re just more vocal about it!

Understanding the root cause behind the tantrum is a critical step towards resolving it.

In Academia’s childcare courses in Brisbane and Melbourne, we won’t just teach you how to identify the root cause of a tantrum. We’ll also equip you with strategies to calm children down and tame these outbursts.

Stay as calm as possible

It’s easier said than done, we know. It can be difficult to keep a level head when faced with a tantrum – however, it’s important.

The last thing you want to do is escalate a situation. For starters, it can make the situation harder to resolve and can even startle the child, making them feel more uncomfortable and vulnerable.

A scared child can be even more difficult to calm down – not to mention, it can have a lasting impact on your relationship.

Additionally, it also affects the atmosphere and can create a “domino effect” triggering crying and even further tantrums in other kids.

Distract the child

One of the most effective ways to manage a temper tantrums is to divert the child’s attention to other situations so they can channel their energy to other things.

Distraction is a powerful behaviour management strategy, especially when it comes to tantrums.

In particular, distraction can be effective when the tantrum is caused by restlessness, frustration, or simply a cranky child!

Of course, it’s important to remember that distraction isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. There are some instances where distraction simply isn’t appropriate – for example, cases where a toddler or child has hurt another one.

In these cases, a time-out or a calm yet stern conversation might be in order (provided they’re old enough to understand).

Put the child in a more comfortable and safe atmosphere

As we mentioned before, some tantrums are the result of overstimulation and anxiety. Oftentimes, this stems from elements in their immediate environment.

If you get the sense that this is the root cause behind the current tantrum, removing the child from the situation can go a long way towards calming them down.

Know when to ignore and to act

Some tantrums require intervention. In other cases, the best reaction is to let the tantrum run its course.

One of the simplest ways to handle tantrums is sometimes to let the child vent out their emotions and energy until they decide to give up.

Additionally, ignoring tantrums also teaches them a lesson: “being loud won’t get you what you want” – an important lesson for the rest of their lives.

Talk and explain the problem and situation

If you work with older kids, this tactic can work surprisingly well!

Don’t be afraid to offer comfort and reassurance throughout the tantrum, especially at times that you disapprove of their actions.

You may have to wait a couple of minutes until the child is calm enough that you can talk things through with them. Once they are however, you can help them work through their feelings.

In addition to helping you target whatever it is that’s causing the tantrum, it also teaches kids to try to communicate their feelings and help come to a happy resolution.

Explore Academia’s childcare courses in Brisbane and Melbourne

Whether you’re making a career change, have just finished high school, or have always dreamed about working with children, our childcare courses are the perfect choice for advancing in this challenging profession.

Explore what career paths are waiting for you after studying childcare.

Academia provides accredited childcare courses in Brisbane and Melbourne, designed to provide a balance between classroom learning and practical, on-the-job training.

We’re the best place to study childcare in Brisbane or Melbourne, with courses that prepare you for a rewarding career nurturing and caring for children during their most influential years!

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113)

Start your career in childcare with the industry’s minimum requirement: the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

As part of this Certificate, you’ll learn everything you need to know about providing care for children, including babies and toddlers.

Through this course, you will also learn how to use an approved learning framework for early childhood development and provide a healthy environment for children to play, rest, eat, and learn.

As part of your studies, you’ll also complete 150 hours of practical placement in a childcare centre.

Explore our Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50113)

Aiming to take the next step in your career as a childhood educator?

Designed for those who are passionate about leading a team of childhood educators or who are thinking about managing a daycare, the Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care is just what you need to climb up the ladder.

In addition to the day-to-day childcare skills you’ll need, this course will also provide training in licensing, accreditation and duties of childcare workers – essential skills if you want to manage a facility in the future.

Learn more about the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.