How to Help Your Child Through a Tantrum: 3 Gentle Tips from Miss PohWee

5 days ago
2 min read

Tantrums are a normal part of early childhood. As children learn to understand and manage their emotions, there will be times when they feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or unable to express themselves with words.

At Turramurra Kindergarten, we often hear parents ask, "What should I do when my child has a tantrum?"

Miss PohWee, Nominated Supervisor at Turramurra Kindergarten, shares three gentle strategies that can help children feel safe, calm, and supported during these challenging moments.

Remember: Connection Comes Before Correction

When a child is having a tantrum, they are usually experiencing very strong emotions. During this time, they are often not ready to listen to explanations or instructions.

Instead of trying to correct the behaviour immediately, focus on helping your child regulate their emotions first.

Tip 1: Acknowledge Their Feelings

The first step is to let your child know that you are there for them.

Simple phrases such as:

"I hear you."
"I'm here with you."

can help children feel understood and supported.

For many children, a warm hug or simply sitting beside them can provide comfort and reassurance while they work through their emotions.

Tip 2: Take Deep Breaths Together

Once your child knows they are safe, encourage them to take slow, deep breaths with you.

Breathing together helps slow the body's stress response and gives children time to calm their nervous system.

You might take three or four slow breaths together, allowing your child to settle before continuing the conversation.

Tip 3: Talk After They've Calmed Down

When your child is calm, gently help them reflect on what happened.

Ask simple questions such as:

"What happened?"
"What made you feel upset?"
"What could we do differently next time?"

These conversations help children recognise their emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and learn healthier ways to express themselves.

Finish the conversation with reassurance. Let your child know they are loved, give them a cuddle, and remind them that next time they can use their words to ask for help instead of reacting with a tantrum.

Helping Children Build Emotional Regulation

Learning to manage emotions is a skill that develops over time. Every tantrum is an opportunity for children to practise recognising their feelings, calming their bodies, and communicating their needs.

With patience, consistency, and loving support, children gradually develop the confidence and emotional skills they need for everyday life.

At Turramurra Kindergarten, we work closely with families to support children's emotional wellbeing and social development. Our educators are always happy to share practical parenting strategies that can be used both at kindergarten and at home.

If you would like more parenting advice or would like to learn more about our early learning programs, we'd love to hear from you.

Created by KinderReach