Q: My son is 14 months old and if he doesn't get what he wants, he throws a terrible tantrum, throwing himself on the ground or swatting at whoever happens to be close. Help! What can I do to break him of this terrible behavior?
A: Those tantrums that you describe sure can test the patience of any caregiver. For the 14-month-old child, however, they are about the best way he has to let you know that he's determined to enjoy something, eager to stop what he's doing, or feeling hot or cold or hungry or full, bored, tired, or rarin' to go. As language develops over the next six months or so, your child will be able to express his needs and interests more diplomatically. For now, first satisfy yourself that he is not in danger, then scoop him up and playfully distract him with a sing-song style of reassuring words and alternative activity. Know your own limits, too! If you're out of gas (and wishing you could throw a tantrum yourself), find someone you trust to lend a hand with your child. I wonder, by the way, if your boy might be an excitable, dramatic personality by nature. If so, he's probably just as boisterous when he's laughing with joy. He's the type who, in time, can funnel his intensity into great leadership skills and great
efforts to be successful. — Peter A. Gorski, M.D.
Sounds pretty much like Norah to a "T" these days... especially the "excitable, dramatic personality by nature" part... we love her great big bellylaughs as much as we hate the tantrums! I wonder if there is any advice out there on how to"funnel her intensity"?
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