Childhood tantrums and emotional outbursts are a normal part of growing up. However, they can be challenging for parents, as young children often struggle to express their feelings in constructive ways. At My Cubby House Early Learning, we understand how important it is to support children as they navigate their emotions. In this blog post, we’ll explore ways to help your child manage their tantrums, and offer guidance on how to talk to them about their feelings.

What’s Childhood Tantrums?

Tantrums typically occur when young children feel overwhelmed by emotions they are not yet able to regulate. Common triggers include frustration, tiredness, hunger, or even the inability to communicate their needs. While these outbursts may seem difficult to manage, they are part of a child’s development as they learn to express their feelings.

At My Cubby House Early Learning, our educators are trained to recognise the early signs of a tantrum and use strategies to de-escalate the situation. Our focus is on teaching children how to identify and understand their emotions, which helps them feel more in control.

Implementing the Zone of Regulation

To help children better understand and regulate their emotions, the Zone of Regulation framework is actively used and implemented at our centre. Emotional concepts are introduced through emotional emojis, serving as visual aids that represent various feelings. Children engage in discussions and activities that help them identify their emotions and learn techniques to transition from feelings of frustration or sadness to a more regulated state. This approach fosters emotional awareness and provides children with practical tools to manage their feelings in a healthy and constructive way.

Strategies for Dealing with Tantrums

Here are some practical tips for parents dealing with childhood tantrums:

1. Stay Calm
             Children look to their parents for cues on how to behave. If you remain calm during a tantrum, it will            help your child feel more secure and may shorten the outburst. Take a deep breath, get down to                  their level, and speak in a calm, reassuring voice.
2. Acknowledge Their Feelings
              Let your child know that it’s okay to feel upset. By acknowledging their emotions, you’re teaching                 them that feelings are valid, but there are better ways to express them. Phrases like, “I can see                     you’re feeling frustrated,” can help your child feel understood.
3. Offer Choices
              Sometimes, tantrums stem from a feeling of a loss of control. Offering your child a choice—such                 as asking if they’d like to read a book or draw—can help them regain a sense of control and distract             them from their frustration.
4. Use Time-Out as a Last Resort
              While time-outs can be helpful in certain situations, they should be used sparingly and only after                 trying other methods. Time-outs can help a child calm down, but they work best when combined                 with discussions about feelings.

How to Talk to Children About Their Feelings

One of the most important aspects of dealing with childhood tantrums is teaching children how to talk about their feelings. At My Cubby House Early Learning, we encourage open communication between educators and children. Parents can follow these simple steps to foster emotional awareness at home:

1. Label Their Emotions
             Teach your child the words to describe their feelings. For example, “You seem angry,” or “It looks                  like  you’re feeling sad.” The more they can identify their emotions, the easier it will be for them to                manage their reactions.
2. Ask Questions
              Encourage your child to share why they are feeling a certain way. Asking questions like, “Why do                 you feel frustrated?” helps them reflect on their emotions and learn to problem-solve.
3. Provide Reassurance 
              Let your child know that all feelings are okay, but it’s important to find ways to deal with those                       feelings without having a tantrum. Offer alternative behaviours, such as taking deep breaths or                     talking to a trusted adults.

Creating a Safe Learning Environment at My Cubby House

At My Cubby House Early Learning, our  learning environments are designed to foster emotional growth and well-being. We integrate emotional learning into our daily activities through the Zone of Regulation framework and emotional emojis, ensuring children develop the skills they need to manage their emotions constructively. Our educators create safe spaces where children feel supported, encouraged, and understood. 

By using play-based learning and sensory activities, we help children express themselves in a calm and creative way. This approach not only reduces the likelihood of tantrums but also nurtures the development of their emotional intelligence.

If you’d like to learn more about how we support children’s emotional development or how we can help your child manage their feelings, contact us today at My Cubby House Early Learning. We’re here to provide a nurturing environment for your child to grow and thrive.

Related links: https://mycubbyhouseearlylearning.com.au/blog/fostering-resilience-in-early-childhood/