Joni Levine - The Everything Parents Guide To Tantrums: The One Book You Need To Prevent Outbursts, Avoid Public Scenes, And Help Your Child Stay Calm

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Dear Reader,

As a preschool teacher, I knew firsthand the challenges of responding to a childs temper tantrum. I know that parents also find temper tantrums a behavior that they have difficulty coping with in a patient and positive manner. It is easy to become frustrated and embarrassed when your child is kicking and screaming in the center aisle of the supermarket. Maybe you have even begun to doubt your parenting skills.

You have probably found that there is not a cookie-cutter solution to such a complex and changing behavior. What is right for one child or situation may not be right for another. What you have sought is a practical guide that helps you understand your own childs tantrums and gives you concrete strategies. You will find this book is just that, a guide for you to help your child develop skills for coping with the disappointment and frustrations in life that we all experience.

THE

TANTRUMS

The only book you need to
prevent outbursts, avoid public scenes,
and help your child stay calm

Joni Levine, M.Ed.

To my grandmother, she believed, she knew, I wont forget.

temper tantrum n.. An uncontrolled outburst of emotion. Temper tantrums are sometimes referred to as fits or meltdowns and are a common behavior during childhood. Temper tantrums may include verbal outbursts, physical outbursts, or both.

I would like to express my appreciation to the many people
who helped me or supported me during this project.

First, a special note of thanks for my steadfast proofreader,
Beth Crowley, and content reviewer Helen South.

I am grateful for the many child development experts and child care providers who provided valuable anecdotes, resources, and feedback. Thank you Debbie Trouth, Sharon Drake, Sheila Milnes, Mattie Kendrick, Michelle Kindall, Susan Smith, Janiece Reid, Sandy Pelligrine, Tanya Albright, Jean Herbison, Eileen Donahue Brittain, Ellen Kay Closs, Penny Melby, Janet Irwin, Sharon Lillo, Ruth Archambault, Maria Goddard, Jill Berkman, Ann Luscan, and all the ladies on the Delphi Forums.

Special thanks to my cheerleaders! Maurice Wimbish, Thespine Kouvalakis, Viola Jones, T. A. Wyner, my dear parents, Barry Levine, and Sonja Bridgwood. Additional thanks to my editor, Kate Burgo, and my agent, Barb Doyen.

* * *

G ood news: Temper tantrums are normal! Every parent can expect to encounter at least a few meltdowns as their child grows. Although temper tantrums are often frustrating and upsetting behaviors to deal with, temper tantrums are as common as skinned knees, muddy shoes, lost game pieces, bogeyman fears, and all of the other day-to-day challenges of raising a child.

More good news: Your childs temper tantrums are not your fault! You have not caused your child to have temper tantrums, and it is not a reflection of your parenting ability. Even the children of child development experts have temper tantrums.

There is a lot of information about temper tantrums available. Unfortunately, that information is often very narrow and simplistic. This is the information that you will be likely to hear from TV, books, and even well-meaning friends and family. There are only three possible responses that are commonly mentioned: give in, punish, or ignore. The popular notion these days is that all children are motivated to have temper tantrums just for attention. If only it were that simple. The truth is that there are many possible reasons for your childs temper tantrums. Your child is a complex, unique individual and her behavior cannot be explained by a one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter approach. You will find that this book will help you understand your child better. You will learn a lot about the way that your child sees the world, the way that he feels, and what makes him tick. After all, you must understand your childs behavior before you set out to change it.

Give in, punish, or ignore? There must be more! And there is. The ideas and suggestions in this book go way beyond a quick fix. Yes, you will find specific real-life strategies for responding and coping with your childs temper tantrums and emotional outbursts. In addition, you will discover how to promote your childs emotional maturity and self-control.

Each time you respond to your childs temper tantrum, you have an incredible opportunity. You can learn how to handle your childs temper tantrums so that you can help your child to develop self-control. At some point, it will not be practical or possible for you to police your child in an attempt to guide or control his every move. If you use the strategies that you learn in this book, you will teach your child skills to independently manage her strong emotions of frustration and anger in the future.

This book will be your guide as your child grows. You will read about the common causes for temper tantrums for each stage of your childs development. You will find coping strategies that are appropriate and relevant, based on the cause of your childs temper tantrum.