How To Deal With Temper Tantrums

When some young children become frustrated, they throw temper tantrums.

To help a child learn to deal with his or her emotions in a healthier way, follow these suggestions from the Nemours Foundation:

*Help your child express what he's feeling and why. Have a conversation with him, instead of an argument. Praise your child for talking calmly about what's making him angry.
*Encourage your child to walk away from a situation when he is angry, and allow him to spend some time alone to calm down.
*Give your child other methods of expressing his anger -- let him write or draw what he is feeling.
*Have your child perform another activity that can help take his mind off of what's made him angry. Have him run around outside, dance around the bedroom, or do a few cartwheels.

Safe Toys For Your Child

All toys, no matter how safe, may not be appropriate for children of all ages. Other toys may have moving parts or sharp edges that make them inappropriate for children of any age.

Here are suggestions on how to choose safe toys for your child, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:
Don't give your child toys with small parts that can be easily removed or broken.
Follow safety information and age guidelines listed on toys.
Look for toys that say "non-toxic," or "washable/hygienic materials" on stuffed animals that can be washed.
Make sure your child only has access to toys that are appropriate for her age.
To prevent choking, don't allow young children to play with marbles, or other small toys less than 1 3/4 inches diameter or 2 inches long.