What is one way to encourage a child experiencing a tantrum to calm down?

Changing the environment can be an effective strategy for helping a child who is experiencing a tantrum to calm down. This approach can shift the child’s focus and provide a new perspective, potentially alleviating their distress. For example, moving to a quieter space or engaging the child in a different activity can help to distract them from what was triggering the tantrum. This method promotes emotional regulation by offering the child a chance to reset their feelings in a more conducive setting.

In contrast, offering a treat as a distraction may not address the underlying issues causing the tantrum and could inadvertently reinforce the behavior by rewarding it. Physically restraining the child is generally not advisable as it can escalate the situation and may lead to feelings of fear or aggression. Allowing the child to cry it out might also leave them without the support they need to process their emotions and may prolong their upset feelings.