Tantrums

[nantotwins]

Can I ask if any of you have "little angels" who when having tantrums, head-bang the floor??? One of the twins started it so of course the other now does the same. We were in the park and Libbie didnt want to go where the rest of us were going, so she butted the ground! ( concrete) Yet another bruise. Im worried that they are going to really hurt themselves.

[Ivy]

Try to divert them (or physically lift them) as quickly as possible to the nearest soft area: grass or cushion. Suggest they can get out of the situation where it is safe e.g. "Let's stay here where its safe, tell me when you make yourself better. " Then when calm continue with your original plan of action. Though heaven knows it must be difficult with two! I take my hat off to all grandparents of twins.

[nantotwins]

Hi Liz, will give ANYTHING a try, thankyou. x

[twinnana]

Let me know how you get on as I am sure in a few months I will need that strategy!!

[jack]

of,i believe,frustration at not being understood,attention seeking and trying to get their own way.

on frustration....trying helping them express their needs better,either through sign or language,and try listening intently for the response. Then teaching them the correct "process " for the future.

on attentions seeking,quickly gather the child up quickly and give it a pillow to vent its temper on. Try and ignore the action,whilst keeping a eye on the child, so they cannot see you watching. The child will soon "burn itself out safely"

on gettting their own way,pick the child up quickly and let it kick and carry on untill it is ready to calm down and do what you ask of it.

[nantotwins]

Thankyou for the messages so far. the twins are late "talkers", possibly because they were prem babies. I do think that they are getting frustrated but do manage to let us know what they want. Its usually by pointing or taking our hands to be shown. Ellie is a real "tale tale", she is always going to my daughter and taking her to show her what her sister is up to!
Yesterday I left Ellie in the kitchen and ignored her tantrum, and carried on playing with the other twin. It didnt take long for peace to return.
They both have lovely bruises on their foreheads, the only answer is to carry a small pillow with us when we go out.

[nantotwins]

On Sunday Ellie spent the most of Sunday morning on the naughty chair It got to the point of her sister showing her the way!! Finally my daughter had enough and just held her screaming for about 5 minutes! ( the child not my daughter!) She almost screamed herself asleep. Yesterday when it was time for her to go home from here, after a lovely peaceful morning, she thought about kicking off again! I think that she had second thoughts and she stopped almost immediately. Perhaps the "holding" treatment is the answer, only time will tell.

[rose]

HI have just managed to get on line long enough to reply, don`t know what is happening on aol, don`t think tantrums stop when they can communicate grandson now 4+ has started having tantrums at home ( jealousy of baby most prob) as mum is still fully breast feeding and that is time consuming with 4 month old. We dont have any at our house but then baby does not come to stay yet. He loves his sister but wants more attention for himself and it will all pass no doubt with extra love and explanations.
marjorie

[Cathy]

Nanotwins, Every grandparent (or parent) will be sympathetic.
Something to try, if a child is screaming. Whisper something nice in their ear, perhaps something of a bribing nature. The child has to stop screaming to hear the treat being offered. Worth a try.
Cathy

[twinnana]

Originally Posted by rose

HI have just managed to get on line long enough to reply, don`t know what is happening on aol, don`t think tantrums stop when they can communicate grandson now 4+ has started having tantrums at home ( jealousy of baby most prob) as mum is still fully breast feeding and that is time consuming with 4 month old. We dont have any at our house but then baby does not come to stay yet. He loves his sister but wants more attention for himself and it will all pass no doubt with extra love and explanations.
marjorie

I have a friend who is 71 and she gets tantrums too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!