Module 2: Responding to Tantrums
No one is born with the ability to understand, manage, and respond to emotions in a healthy and socially acceptable way; we must learn it by watching and listening to others.
Teaching emotional regulation takes patience, and with consistent practice and support, children will develop skills to manage their feelings and reduce tantrums over time. Let’s jump in to see how Casey can provide Blake with the toolbox to understand what he’s feeling along with healthy coping mechanisms.
What You’ll Learn
In this module, you’ll learn:
Coping mechanisms to teach children to express their feelings and regulate their emotions
Practical, effective strategies for responding to tantrums
Modeling calm behavior
Make it stand out.
Teaching children emotional regulation is an essential life skill that helps them understand and manage their emotions constructively. Watch Jessica share some ways to support emotional regulation in children:
Expand each of the sections to read more about Casey’s approach to helping Blake.
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Getting down to Blake’s level, Casey can name the feeling (frustrated, sad).
“I see that you’re upset. It can be frustrating to stop playing when you’re having fun.”
Casey isn’t solving anything here. Nor is she changing the plan because of Blake’s outburst. She’s “naming the emotions”.
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Use short, simple, clear instructions in a positive tone. While it takes time to establish, incorporating a routine with predictable steps can be comforting to children.
“We will take a bath and then we will pick out books to read together. It would be nice to read while cuddling our stuffed animals.”
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Giving a child autonomy over the situation, while still accomplishing the task at hand (i.e. bath).
“Tonight is special because we get to bring new toys into the bathtub. Please go pick two small toys that you’d like to bring into the bath.”
or
“Blake, I need your help pouring the bubble bath solution into the bathtub. Please go pick two toys you’d like in the bath and then come help me pour the bubbles into the water.”
Getting down to Blake’s level, Casey can name the feeling (frustrated, sad).
“I see that you’re upset. It can be frustrating to stop playing when you’re having fun.”
Casey isn’t solving anything here. Nor is she changing the plan because of Blake’s outburst. She’s “naming the emotions”.
Let’s See What You Learned
Responding to emotions
Children learn by observing adults. By staying calm, Casey demonstrates how she manages her emotions, even in challenging situations.
Let’s move on to see how you interpret tantrum various scenarios.