• Published by Aurel Saragih  

Have you ever felt annoyed when your child suddenly cried loudly and shouted at a family gathering, even though before he was fine when he was in the car or even playing with other children? Tantrums such as screaming, crying, kicking, or even speaking harshly to parents have the purpose to get attention. Children may not feel comfortable in a new environment but cannot express it clearly yet. No need to panic, this is what parents can do!

1. Prepare an Umbrella Before It Rains a.k.a Prepare Things That Children Like!

Before going to an event that will take a long time, make sure parents have estimated how long the event will be. For example, during a family gathering that can last up to 3-4 hours, explain to your children where to go today, with whom, and what children can do there. Children can also learn to prepare themselves for new situations such as being at a family gathering for hours and thinking about what to bring when they go there. Involve children in discussions that parents think are less important. In addition, also bring things that children like such as food, toys, or gadgets that they can play with. This will help the child to be able to enjoy being in a new place for him.

2. Pay attention, but just a little

When the child starts crying, pay a little attention by asking "Are you bored?" then give a touch like holding hands or hugging the child that this situation is indeed very boring for him. If possible, take the child out for a short walk while calming the emotions of the child.

3. Stay calm and don't raise your voice, parents!

When the child starts to cry loudly, parents don't rush to say "shhh don't cry". Stay calm and use a soothing voice for your child. Low intonation and large enough volume can make parents and children calmer. Look at the faces of the children to make sure that they are okay, and parents listen to what they feel at that time.

4. Take a deep breath for 2 seconds

If the child is crying out loud, how do you ask the child to take a deep breath? Keep in a calm but firm voice, and ask the child to take deep breaths for 2 seconds. The method? Parents can say "mom/papa has a candle, let's try blowing it out slowly" while using their parents fingers as a medium. Do it repeatedly until the child feels calm and able to talk.

When a child has a tantrum, the first thing parents feel is panic and embarrassment. There's no need to be embarrassed, if parents still look calm and can control the situation well then other people's judgment is the last thing to think about. Make sure that listening to what the child wants to convey through crying is the first thing parents should do.

Reference

Ayman. K. Bani Salameh; Malakeh. Z. Malak; Rasmieh. M. Al-Amer; Omar. S.H. Al Omari;Mamdouh El-Hneiti;Loai.M. Abu Sharour; (2021). Assessment of Temper Tantrums Behavior Among Preschool Children in Jordan . Journal of Pediatric Nursing, (), –. doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2021.02.008

Scolnik, C. (2019, May 14). How to deal with tantrums in public (without feeling like a fool). A Fine Parent. Retrieved January 10, 2023, from https://afineparent.com/positive-parenting-faq/how-to-deal-with-tantrums.html

By: Sarah Aurelia Saragih, S.Psi. from the BehaviorPALS Center

tantrum in kids, tantrum, tantrum in public places

Children 4 Years - 6 Years / 4 Tahun - 6 Tahun / Parenting / Pola Asuh / Family / Keluarga / Anti-Panic when Children Have Tantrums in Public Places

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