Dealing with the tantrum of a child from 3 to 6 years old is not easy. However, given the characteristics of children at this age, it can be simplified for one reason: children begin to communicate better, which makes it easier to talk to them, to reach agreements and, ultimately, to have the power to calm them down when they have a problem.
The child from 3 to 6 years old
If we are guided by Jean Piaget's theory of children's cognitive development, we understand that the stage that goes from 2 or 3 years old to 6 or 7 years old is key for the child. Known as pre-operational, this is when the infant develops the symbolic function and notably improves his sensory-motor capacity, his ability with oral and written language and his understanding of time and space.
That is, at this age, and as they get older, children understand cause and effect relationships better and, more positively, they begin to communicate more fluently each time, which makes conversation with peers and elders easier.
In addition, we find new ways to deal with the child' s emotions. As he begins to read, write and draw better, he also finds new ways to express himself.
To all this, we add the development of their reasoning capacity. This makes him more empathetic, capable of understanding other people's feelings and points of view.
Children of this age evolve very quickly. They begin to act independently, enjoy and can perform activities such as brushing teeth or bathing, and even understand and use a sense of humor, which facilitates proper communication with them.
Learn how to deal with a tantrum in a child from 3 to 6 years old.
Why do we talk about all this? Because, as parents and caregivers, we must know that children are improving their ability to control and, therefore, also their possibilities to improve their tantrums by being able to rationalize them, express them, understand them, talk about them and, of course, reduce them.
It is common for tantrums to appear when the child has to stop doing an activity he enjoys. Also when a situation generates fear, when they are tired or sad, when they suffer anxiety, when they do not achieve what they want...
In any case, every child is different. Knowing their motivations, problems and so on will be key to dealing with the tantrum.
In any case, and in a generic way, it is convenient to bet on these keys:
- Ensure that the child understands that certain behaviors are not acceptable. That is, work on the understanding that certain behaviors are intolerable.
- Choose the right time to talk. While the child is angry, explanations won't do much good. Choose the right time to talk calmly.
- Connecting causes and consequences. When defining the consequences of the tantrum, we have to connect them with the child's inappropriate behavior.
- Choose role models. Having children become their own role models is helpful in making them feel valued. Let's take advantage of appropriate behaviors to emphasize the little steel.
- Offer positive reinforcement. Reinforcement facilitates negotiations. Also, until the child internalizes appropriate behavior, it is a good way to reinforce it.
- Use the tools at your disposal. Movies, books, stories... All the material within your reach that deals with the subject of tantrums and helps the child learn to handle them.
- Observation. It is important to observe to understand what is behind a tantrum. Sometimes, changes in your life can provoke this type of situation.
In Logos Nursery School, nursery school in Las Rozas, we have a professional team that can help you in the correct development of your child.we have a professional team that can help you in the correct development of your child. Therefore, to know better how to deal with the tantrum of a child from 3 to 6 years old, we recommend you to consult with our expert pedagogues.
