From Theory to Practice:
Addressing Special Needs Challenging Behaviors
How to prevent temper tantrums:
- Make sure your child's basic physical needs are met regularly (food, water, rest, diapering/toileting, physical play) - Set clear limits and explain your expectations - Warn your child about upcoming transitions ("three minutes until it's time to stop playing," "In 5 minutes it will be time to go to bed") - Observe your child's mood. If it is changing, adjust your plans and try to remove him from situations that might trigger a tantrum as soon as possible - Have toys and books available to help distract him and calm him down if his behavior starts to escalate |
How to handle tantrums:
- Try to remain in control of your own emotions and address your child with an empathetic demeanor - Make sure to remove objects that can hurt your child's body from the immediate area - Reassure your child and let him know that you see how upset he is, and that you are very sorry that he feels so angry/frustrated/hurt - Encourage your child to take deep breaths and try to calm himself down - If your child allows you, hug him tightly - If he doesn't want to be touched, honor his wish and give him space and time to calm down - If safety is a concern, warn your child that you will need to pick him up and move him to a safe place, and promptly do so - After he has calmed down, encourage him to think of alternative behaviors that he can use whenever he wants or needs something - If your child is not yet developmentally able to consider or verbalize alternatives, offer him some appropriate ones to use ("say my turn, please," or "ask mommy for help") - Always end the process by assuring your child that you love him very much |