A tantrum is common in children aged 1-3 years and it is an unplanned outburst of anger and frustration; these outbursts can be physical, verbal or both. Your child may act out, be disruptive and generally display unpleasant behaviors – when your child “loses it”. Some of the triggers may be: tiredness, jealousy, hunger, lifestyle changes, excessive pampering and strict parental intervention or authoritative discipline.

Here are some of the ways to deal with tantrums:

Communicate with your child instead of arguing. Ask and allow them to answer by providing different scenarios to the current situation. For example, if he/she was playing with the pet ask him/her: “If you play roughly with the pet, what would happen? Would you enjoy play time more than if you treated it nicely?”. This conversational approach will develop common sense and analytical skills.

Provide options rather than bossing them around. Make them feel as if they are in charge of their own decisions. For example, if he/she had to pick up their toys and have lunch, ask him/her: “Would you like to pick up your toys first then have lunch? Or the other way around. Freedom of choice gets things done smoothly and desirably.

Use Distractions. Add a fun factor before things go out of control. For example, if you were going for a car ride and your child starts screaming and wobbling around in refusal of sitting in the car seat, tell him/her: “I’ve got your favorite coloring book and some crayons. They’re all yours… go wild!”. This approach will lure them in and keep them occupied the whole time.

Allow them to steam out. Give your child permission to scream and shout until they’re ready to stop. For example, if you were at home and the tantrum suddenly occurs, tell him/her: ‘You can yell louder if you want to. We’re home and no one is bothered by that’. This paradoxical instruction would relieve and calm them down instantly.

Make way for learning through risk-free experiences. Acquiring skills and good habits happens effectively through experiments. For example,if you were cooking and he/she were bored and constantly nagging tell them: “How about we get messy and bake a cake together? Would you like to prepare and mix all the ingredients by yourself?”. Being involved in new situations will certainly boost their confidence and entertain them.

Observe, Identify the trigger and work your way around it. Set a time limit to his/her activities. For example, if he/she always refuses to turn off the TV to go wash up and head to bed, tell him/her: “I will set a 5-minute timer and when it goes off, you have to go brush your teeth and sleep”. This will train their mind to respect and manage time.

Patiently discuss the situation post-outburst. Approach him/her quietly and speak to them about what has happened and why. For example, if he/she had a hysterical outburst at the supermarket over a chocolate bar, sit them down and have a one-on-one conversation about why they wanted that candy so badly and if all that screaming was necessary. Making them feel safe and understood would bring them closer to you.

It is always better to work with tantrums not against them. Tantrums and/or stubbornness can have a positive outcome as well!

Stubbornness can undeniably:

Boost self-confidence

Cultivate a courageous attitude

Develop a strong personality

Accelerate learning

Promote positivity and maturity

Everything can be of benefit to your child’s development and character when treated wisely.

Try these tips and witness an immediate change in your child’s behavior! 

Breastfeeding: Your gateway to motherhood!

“Breastfeeding is empowering.

It’s an accomplishment that takes dedication I didn’t realize I possessed”

– Amy C –

That quote pretty much sums up what breastfeeding is all about!

Breastfeeding is as old as mankind and, frankly, it is the most effective method for nurturing strong and healthy babies. That is because breast milk invincibly boosts the immune system, provides unmatched nutrients, is easily digestible, and facilitates the emotional bonding between a mother and her newborn baby.

Is it an easy process, though? Does it come naturally to every mother out there? Here is where it gets tricky!

Tons of mothers, particularly new ones, battle with anxiety and depression due to the stress of the breastfeeding process. They tend to get infuriated by how demanding and complex it might get, add to that the burden of direct peer pressure.

In this article, we will tackle some of those circulating concerns of new or existing mothers:

Is it normal for my breasts to hurt?

It is absolutely normal to feel some discomfort at the very early stages of breastfeeding, but it shouldn’t hurt. Pain may be due to “Improper Latching” or “Breast Engorgement”.

For proper latching, place your baby’s tongue under the nipple and as much of the areola (the dark ring around your nipple) in the baby’s mouth.

For relief from breast engorgement, apply a warm towel or an ice pack prior to feeding or simply express some milk using a breast pump. Keep in mind that this is a temporary condition and it will improve once you learn how to remove excess milk.

Is my baby getting enough milk?

Majority of mothers worry about servings and the amount of milk given to the baby. It is crucial to point out here that whatever goes in will certainly come out! So, keeping track of your baby’s diapers is an excellent indicator to what the right amount should be. For example:

• During the first 24 hours post-birth: A baby must have 1-2 wet diapers and 1-2 soiled diapers.
• During days 2 & 3 post-birth: A baby must have 3-4 wet diapers and 2-3 soiled diapers.
• During days 4 & 5 and onwards: A baby must have at least 5-6 wet diapers and 3-4 soiled diapers.

Anything above or below is alarming and should be addressed as soon as possible.

How often should I feed my baby?

Overfeeding can backfire as much as Underfeeding. Avoid both!

Before anything, find a quiet place to breastfeed, preferably at home, because babies can get easily distracted in crowded rooms which might irritate or bother them.

On an average, a baby should be fed every 1.5-3 hours and for 10-15 minutes on each breast. Warning: Don’t forget to burp your baby after each feeding to prevent an upset stomach.  

For safe and smooth breastfeeding, try not to exceed those recommended timeframes.

Will I spoil my baby?

Babies can never be spoiled, but as a matter of fact they are born with a need to be loved, comforted, fed and held. So, please don’t deprive them of that. Always attend to your babies’ needs to gain their full trust.

Breastfeeding is not an easy process, but definitely worth all the efforts.