So a childhood friend of mine is having tantrum issues with her almost 2 yr old son and I thought I would share this with everyone.
Her:
My son has been having horrific temper tantrums. He screams at the top
of his lungs and turns bright red over anything and everything. He has
been very violent, hitting himself in the face and banging his head so
hard off if the floor and furniture that I'm worried he'll knock himself
out. I can't take him out anywhere. He will be 2 at the end of Feb and
all of his other development seems normal. He speaks very well for such a
small little guy. He does seem a bit clumsy and his physical
development was a few weeks slower than what the books said it should
be. When he's in a good mood he's affectionate and loves to be around
people.
When I look online it's just so much that could cause these
problems from food allergies to actual mental disorders. It's pretty
concerning.
My reply:
lol well sounds a lot like terrible two on the high side. There has
been a lot of talk lately about taking a different approach to dealing
with tantrums than the traditional just leave them be. And I would say
this sounds like a case I would suggest this too. Instead of allowing
him to hurt himself you get him in a tight hug hold and wait it out.
Talking soothingly to him say you still love him and understand he is
frustrated. Now this may seem extreme but you may have to use your whole
body to cover his legs and keep him close. It will take some power as
you and I both know little boys who are in these tantrums exert a lot of
strength.
Tantrums are all about him learning his boundaries and
dealing with frustration. The biggest thing is to get him though safe
and than talk about why it happens. He may not have the words to tell
you so you may have to give him some to use. Ask questions that he can
answer yes or no and then dig from there. Always remember to repeat back
to him what he tells you so he knows you understand what he is telling
you and can correct.
One thing on the food allergy side of things
I would really give a try is cut out red food dyes. This has been know
to cause a lot of issues with young children. No juice with the dyes or
any other foods. Give it a try for 2 weeks and if no change that is not
it.
I would not rely too much on what you read online as you are
not an expert and there is way too much info out there for you to decide
correctly what is really going on. If what I suggested has not helped
within 2-4 weeks I suggest talking to your doctor.
I find now a
days everyone is looking for the answer online and children are being
diagnosed with things with out looking at all aspects. Also try to keep a
bit of a diary on when this tantrum happen, what has gone on, foods
eaten, who it is with, places and such. May help you see pattern.
