EVERY parent knows how exhausting and hopeless it can be when your little one has a tantrum.
No matter what it’s about, it can be hard for toddlers to control those intense emotions. But a child expert has revealed a simple trick to help calm them down.
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Post message on TiKTokDr. Chelsey Hauge-Zavaleta responded to one mom’s trick for preventing a tantrum and explained why it works so well.
The mother said that when her daughter had a tantrum, she responded not just with words, but with a shocked facial expression.
“Do you know what that does to a child having a tantrum?” Dr. Chelsey said in response to the hack.
According to the professional, it ensures that the child feels understood, without complicating the situation with words.
The exaggerated facial expression lets little ones know that their parents are mirroring their emotions, and that may be just the thing they need to move on from their emotions, she explains.
“I’m not surprised that your child can handle the tantrum if you don’t use layered language, don’t yell, and just make a face of ‘oh my god, this is so hard,’” Chelsey said.
It all comes down to giving them “a chance to reflect,” she added.
Other parents agreed that this simple trick can work wonders for a tantrum.
Someone commented on the viral clip: “Mirroring is so incredibly powerful.”
“Every time I make this face [my daughter] starts laughing and the breakdown is averted,” wrote another mother.
“Is this why my son doesn’t have wild tantrums? I mirror his facial expressions all the time and I feel like he doesn’t have crazy tantrums,” said a third.
“Thanks to this video I did this with my four year old and it worked,” said another.
“She started giggling and said to her brothers, ‘Come help Mommy fix it.’”
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What is a tantrum?
Tantrums are common in toddlers from the age of 18 months.
One of the reasons for these breakdowns is that they want to express themselves, but do not yet have the necessary skills to do so. This frustration manifests itself in a tandrum.
That is also why tantrums are less common when a child can talk, according to the NHS.
How to stop a tantrum
Find out why the tantrum happens:
There are many reasons why your child might have a tantrum. For example, he/she might be tired or hungry.
It could also be that they are jealous, or just need attention and love.
Find distraction:
If you think your child is going to have a tantrum, it may help to immediately find something to distract him or her with.
This could be a toy, or something you see out the window, like a dog or a flower.
Be prepared when you go shopping:
Parents know that tantrums happen a lot in stores and it can be difficult to stay calm.
It can help to keep shopping trips as short as possible. Involve your child in shopping by talking about what you need and letting him/her help.
