How to Help a Child Calm Down

Children are bombarded by stressful situations each day, whether in the home, at school or on the playground. Inevitably, these stressful situations can lead to temper-tantrums and out-of-control behavior; however, learning how to help a child calm down will give him the necessary tools to handle his own emotions.

Instructions

    • 1

      Remain calm. If you react to your child's tantrum by yelling or becoming angry, you are then teaching your child it's okay to act inappropriately. Teach your child what calm behavior looks like by showing him you can be calm, too.

    • 2

      Remove the child from the stressful situation. Lead him to a quiet room or a secluded spot on the playground.

    • 3

      Ask the child to take several deep breaths and count to ten. This breathing and counting technique will help him to react not with impulsivity and anger, but in a calm way.

    • 4

      Walk away. Sometimes it is best to leave a child to work through a tantrum by removing yourself from the situation. However, you should always ensure that your child is in a safe environment and not able to hurt himself.

    • 5

      Help your child to identify the warning signs leading up to a tantrum. Older children can even make a list of these warning signs and post them in a visible location. If he is aware of what these signs are, he can then practice the breathing and counting technique.

    • 6

      Give your child an alternative to a tantrum. If he is able to identify that he is losing control, or if you notice it yourself, you can suggest another activity. You can often help a child calm down with a little distraction.

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