Brat Attack: Stopping Tantrums

Who hasn't heard an out-of-control toddler shrieking at the top of his lungs in a store while a frantic (and embarrassed) parent tries to defuse the situation? Anyone with toddlers knows the scenario all-too-well, and babysitters and providers alike have experienced the wails, acts of defiance, or outright tantrums. So, we all know what a toddler tantrum is; the question is what can be done about this brat-like behavior?

The good news is that child experts say that tantrums are typically not caused to test a parent's patience; rather, they are a typical part of growing up. Toddlers often act out because they are learning to control themselves and to develop independence. However, having said that, it doesn't mean parents should condone the behavior. Rather, parents and/or providers need to learn to manage the situations to make it less stressful on everyone involved. And part of that is by learning more about what typically causes the tantrum eruptions and find a solution to avoid those triggers.

To help in determining what helps to minimize tantrums, parents should note patterns concerning behavior as to when your child is at his best and at his worst; and what happens when she is hungry or tired; overstimulated; bored; or frustrated. Then, give the following suggestions a try.

As possible, try and schedule on-the-go activities during your child's peak times and avoid trips to the store and other errands during key meltdown times. Really observe and listen to your child, and understand that sometimes tantrums occur because your toddler is trying to communicate a feeling or need, and is frustrated over not being understood.


Praise, praise, praise good behavior and talk about what your expectations are and what consequences will be administered if bad behavior occurs. If you decide to reward a child for good behavior, consider making it in the form of a non-gift and non-food. The "treat" for great behavior, for example, can be 10 minutes of snuggle time in a favorite chair with a parent and picking a favorite book to look at together. Many parents fall into a trap of "buying" a child's good behavior, only to find that it backfires because kids will learn to manipulate that toward their own gain.


Be prepared to back up what consequences you set for a child, even if that means leaving a store without making the planned purchases, or really putting a child to bed for the evening 2 hours early. Parents/providers also need to not take it so personally when a child exhibits bratty behavior from time to time, and try and keep calm control and not let the explosion get the best of them.


The best news about tantrums is that they really and truly will pass. As kids continue to develop and improve their ability to communicate and make their wants/needs known, the tantrums will typically diminish. But not to worry; it only means children are on to their next stage of behavior and growth, and with it new actions and misdeeds to keep a handle on!


...... Robin McClure

Are today's kids too stressed out?

Are today's kids too stressed out?
Are we raising a generation of stressed-out kids? Sadly, the answer seems to be yes. Family dynamics, money concerns, social issues, and academic pressures seem to be the culprits. Several studies have taken a close look about kids and their level of anxiety. Would you say that today's kids seem more stressed out than when you were a child?
Answer: If you answered yes to whether today's kids are more stressed out than youth of previous generations, you'd be correct. Concerns about money, family dynamics, homework and overall school success, pressure to excel in extracurricular activities, and social issues are the culprits.

According to several new studies, average kids today are more stressed and anxious than their peers who were treated for a variety of psychiatric issues in previous generations. The findings also attributed causes as relating to higher divorce rates, concerns about the environment, and less social connectivity.

While stress is a normal occurrence during certain childhood periods, such as when studying for a final exam, for example, findings also indicate that kids are becoming stressed at an earlier age. In addition, pressures kids are feeling to succeed, due to traumatic events (like 9-11), or discussions about the environment and global warming, can add additional concerns. Parents may unwittingly contribute to a child's level of anxiety by putting them in too many competitive activities or having too-high of expectations at an early age.

Whatever happened to the notion of letting kids to simply be kids and learn through play and imagination?

...... Robin McClure

Keep Your Baby Comfortable in Inclement Weather

Sometimes it's hard to know how to dress your baby, particularly if you're going to be in and out of the house or car. Read these tips on keeping your baby comfortable both in and out of the house, all winter long.


Cold weather can be difficult to deal with when you have a baby. Whether you're inside the house or outside in the elements, you want to be sure that your baby is cozy but not overheated. Here are some simple baby clothing products you can use to keep your baby warm and content, no matter where you go this winter season.

When You're Hanging Out at Home

Chances are, you'll fight with yourself over the temperature at which to set the thermostat. You want the baby to be warm, but you don't want to sweat all day either. Here's the good news: babies really only need one more layer of clothing than adults do. So when you're hanging out at home for the day, just throw a lightweight sweatshirt or cardigan over the baby for a little extra warmth and forget about cranking up the thermostat. To keep toes warm, I recommend a simple pair of soft-soled baby shoes like Robeez or slippers like those from UGG.
For nap or bedtime, I recommend using a fleece sleep sack like this one from Halo. This will keep your baby plenty warm without extra layers or blankets, which can ultimately increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Unsure of how to purchase the proper sleep sack? Check out this video that shows you how to select the proper sleep sack for your baby.

When You Head Out for the Day

Dress in layers! Create a base layer with a thermal-regulating bamboo bodysuit and top it with several thin layers. This is particularly important if you'll be riding in the car because a bulky coat is not safe to wear in a baby carseat.
Don't forget a hat and mittens for your day out as well. Typically mittens that are connected by a string work best for babies because, even if they can get them off, they can't lose them somewhere in the back seat. If you want to make sure your baby doesn't take of their mittens, you can always use a pair of socks in place of traditional mittens.

Whenever you head out in the car, be sure you have an emergency baby clothes kit with you in the event you have a roadside breakdown. Nothing fancy, this kit is something you can put together yourself and store in a simple travel bag. To transport the baby from the house to the car or the car to your final destination, just wrap him in a blanket. This will keep him just as warm as if he were wearing a bulky jacket — plus it gives you an excuse to get in a few extra cuddles!

If you plan to spend a significant amount of time out in the winter elements, it's a good idea to invest in a baby bunting for your car seat or stroller as well as a pair of baby sunglasses. Baby sunglasses might seem like an odd choice for wintertime adventures, but it's actually more important that your baby wears sunglasses in the winter than in the summer; the reflection of the suns rays off the snow creates a stronger glare and is more harmful for your baby's eyes. Be sure to purchase a pair of baby sunglasses that provides the ultimate in protection. Above all else, don't forget the sunscreen!

Keeping your baby warm in the winter isn't hard; with a few simple wardrobe adjustments, you can easily keep him happy all day long.

.......Stacie McClintock