Frustration Tantrums
These are caused by the limitations of their development.
Examples include trying to fit a bike between a tree and a fence, waiting for a
turn in a board game, having a doll sit up for the tea party or stacking blocks
in a high tower.
Pre-tantrum
1. Model self-control and patience yourself
2. Sit and play with your child and demonstrate how to do
the challenging task
3. Teach the child to raise his hand to ask for help rather
than fusss
Mid-tantrum
1. Do not give them an audience
2. Do not try and dialogue with them
3. Remove the object of frustration and isolate the child
until they are calm
Post-tantrum
1. Administer a meaningful age appropriate consequence
2. Role-play expected behaviour for next time. Practice
riding the bike and then asking for help when the bike gets stuck. Play tea
parties with the dolls and model asking for assistance to sit the dolls up.
3. Gently and patiently teach obedience and self-control so
they can choose right even when they are frustrated.
