What should you do if a child has a temper tantrum?

Staying with the child and keeping your composure during a temper tantrum is essential for several reasons. First, it provides the child with a sense of safety and support. In moments of distress, children often seek comfort and reassurance from caregivers. When you remain calm and present, you model appropriate emotional regulation, which can help the child begin to manage their own feelings.

Additionally, staying with the child allows you to observe their behavior and understand the cause of the tantrum. This can be crucial for helping them verbalize their feelings once they begin to calm down, which promotes emotional intelligence and communication skills. It also prevents isolation, which could exacerbate the child's emotions and lead to further distress.

In contrast, other approaches, such as yelling or leaving the child alone, can create an atmosphere of fear or abandonment, making the situation worse. Ignoring the behavior completely does not address the child's needs and may result in a continued or escalated outburst. Therefore, maintaining your composure and supporting the child through their feelings is the most constructive and nurturing response in this scenario.