Written by : Sih Pirenaningtyas, Teaching Learning Assessor
Sekolah Sungai Gajahwong
Have you ever seen children lying on the floor because their parents did not buy them toys? Or have you ever seen children whimpering and crying endlessly when their brother or sister doesn’t obey what the child wants? It is common for these children to be called tantrum. A tantrum is a powerful emotional outburst, accompanied by anger, aggressive attacks, crying, screaming, rolling, jerking both feet and hands on the floor or ground, and holding breath. Factors that cause tantrum is vary, such as the inability of children to express themselves, desire to seek attention, unpleasant conditions, and parenting aspect. Tantrum is a phase of children’s development which generally occurs at the age of 18 months to 4 years. The things that can be seen from tantrum behavior are that children want to show their independence, express their individuality, express their opinions, and express anger and frustration, so adults can understand if they are confused, tired, or sick
However, if parents allow children to tantrum it will have an impact on the child’s psychological condition. According to pediatrics, abnormal tantrum occur in children over 4 years old. Children who experienced abnormal tantrum often hurt themselves or others during tantrum with a duration of more than 15 minutes. In addition, the frequency of occurrence of tantrum is more than five times a day. So that children don’t experience abnormal tantrum, we must know how to wisely respond to tantrum in children.
Then, how to wisely respond tantrum?
There are some wise tips for children tantrum. First, give the child space to vent his emotions. Second, shows empathy for the child. Pinching, hitting, and doing other violence is not allowed in dealing with children who are in a tantrum. Empathy sentences can make a child calm and not become more. Third, keep children away from dangerous objects. Then, understand the child, be patient and calm.
Most people think that tantrums in children are the responsibility of parents. However, we who are close to children also need to know how to wisely respond to children who are in a tantrum. Because, a supportive environment will have a good impact on children’s development.
Sources :
- Mandleco, B. L. and Potts, N.L. 2007. Pediatric Nursing: Carring for Children and Their Families. Clifton Park: Thomson Delmar Learning.
- Potegal, M. and Davidson, R.J. 2003. Temper tantrums in young children: 1. Behavioral composition. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 24(3) : 140-147.
- Nauli, F.A., 2014. Hubungan Pola Asuh Orang Tua dengan Frekuensi dan Intensitas Perilaku Temper Tantrum Pada Anak Toddler. Jurnal Online Mahasiswa Program Studi Ilmu Keperawatan Universitas Riau, 1(2) : 1-8.
- Daniels, E., Mandleco, B. and Luthy, K.E., 2012. Assessment, management, and prevention of childhood temper tantrums. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 24(10) : 569-573.
