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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Temper Tantrums In A Child Be Managed?

I am looking for help with my 7 year old daughter who seeks attention on a constant basis and throws a fit when she does not get it by breaking items or hitting. This child is obsessed with having children and has told her younger brother that she is his mom and now he wont go against her. Can you point me in the right direction of what I should do? When she was 4 years old she was in preschool and somehow hit her head hard. She had a concussion but the doctor said she was ok. She changed after the accident not having control over her actions and just being mean.
Mon, 6 Aug 2018
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Pediatrician,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

You are describing a common problem of childhood. She should be kept occupied. Frequently have playmates of her own age in her house and go to visit them in their homes. Encourage her to practice skills and take pride in what she can do. The key to treatment is in prevention. If possible, sources of danger must be removed, and she should be bodily removed when she is approaching them or when it seems likely that a storm is brewing. Mother must be reasonable in her requests and not rush her. Mother must be consistent and there must be no disagreement between the parents. Mother must see that her requests are carried out, but mother must not break child's will. For example, if mother requests tidying up after games, mother should help child rather than risk meeting resistance.
When a temper tantrum occurs, there must not be a fight, anger, or argument, no reasoning, and no attempt to force her to stop her behavior. Mother(and father) must not lose their own temper.
It is best to treat a tantrum by ignoring it. No bodily punishment!
A show of indifference is a more severe punishment.
Daughter should not be given what she wanted after the tantrum. When she learns that she is getting nothing when having a tantrum, she will stop having one.
She can be picked up and given a feeling of love and security after one, but she should not be given sweets or rewards.
I and believe there is no connection between her concussion and the tantrums.

Hope I have answered your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
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How Can Temper Tantrums In A Child Be Managed?

Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. You are describing a common problem of childhood. She should be kept occupied. Frequently have playmates of her own age in her house and go to visit them in their homes. Encourage her to practice skills and take pride in what she can do. The key to treatment is in prevention. If possible, sources of danger must be removed, and she should be bodily removed when she is approaching them or when it seems likely that a storm is brewing. Mother must be reasonable in her requests and not rush her. Mother must be consistent and there must be no disagreement between the parents. Mother must see that her requests are carried out, but mother must not break child s will. For example, if mother requests tidying up after games, mother should help child rather than risk meeting resistance. When a temper tantrum occurs, there must not be a fight, anger, or argument, no reasoning, and no attempt to force her to stop her behavior. Mother(and father) must not lose their own temper. It is best to treat a tantrum by ignoring it. No bodily punishment! A show of indifference is a more severe punishment. Daughter should not be given what she wanted after the tantrum. When she learns that she is getting nothing when having a tantrum, she will stop having one. She can be picked up and given a feeling of love and security after one, but she should not be given sweets or rewards. I and believe there is no connection between her concussion and the tantrums. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.