Temper tantrum
Inclusion of Child Temper Tantrums in New DSM Riles Critics Reuters/Jim Young

Many parents dread a child's temper tantrum especially when done in public. Many actually do not know how to handle the problem and would rather give in to their child's demands instead of finding an effective solution. Here are some tips on how to survive one.

1. Ignore

Many child psychiatric experts recommend ignoring a child whenever he throws a temper tantrum in public. The idea is to show your child that you do not tolerate such behavior and that he has to stay calm if he is asking for something. Parents should be patient enough and control themselves while ignoring their child, monitoring constantly that the little one does not hurt himself and waiting to intervene as soon as the child calms down.

2. Determine the cause

Find out if there is a deeper issue that the child is going through. Sometimes, temper tantrums can be the source of a more serious behavioral problem that needs to be addressed. Children can experience stress or may have some issues rooted within the home. When the issue is managed, the tantrums will also stop. One study published in the American Psychological Association showed that different acoustics or children's vocalizations are indicative of specific emotions.

3. Fix the temporary problem

Children may throw tantrums in public if they have a specific temporary need, such as food or sleep. When your child starts to act uncomfortable, ask him if he wants to eat, sleep or do anything. If the need is reasonable, provided it to your child accordingly.

4. Keep public trips short

Children often get bored when their parents buy groceries or window shop. The best approach to avoid or stop a temper tantrum is to give your child an idea how long you will be in the public place for. Show your child a watch and indicate that when it reaches a certain time, you will be transferring or going home.

5. Teach your child at home

One study at the University of Connecticut showed how parental discipline affected a child's tendency to throw temper tantrums. There were several factors that an affect good or bad behavior. If you can discipline your children effectively at home, there will not be any problems in public.