How to Deal With Temper Tantrums

What mom hasn’t denied their toddler a cookie and then had their normally-sweet child throw themselves on the floor and scream? Sometimes the easiest thing to calm a temper tantrum is to give in and give our child what they want. Especially when we’re running late for carpool, they’re hungry, and we’re tired!

From One Mom to Another

So how is a mom to deal patiently and wisely with a temper tantrum? Take a deep breath and choose to give your children what they need, not always what they want. After all, we know what groundwork needs to be done for the future of our children. Teaching our children self-discipline now gives them a foundation so they can live God’s way in the future.

Is it always easy to not allow a 7-year-old to stay up hours past their bedtime? Or to enforce limited screen time with our teens? I’m afraid not, but take heart. And that’s exactly what it’ll take: a heart of dedication. Scripture says that we’re to teach our children …. No matter the obstacles, the arguments, or the “Yes, but, Moms.”

For When the Days are Long

When we fail to instill discipline in our children, we aren’t equipping them to know how to control their emotions and to make wise decisions. God says to us loud and clear: teach your children and start early in their lives. Teach them faithfully and consistently. And most of all, do so from a heart of love.

Also, remember that little ones are watching and learning from you. Your personal self-discipline and self-control is important. Spending time each day with God and reading His Word sets the path of your life—thinking those things that are true, spending money wisely, reacting with calmness, eating balanced portions—and gives a wonderful example to your kids.

A Final Thought

Some days it will feel like a mountain of obstacles stand in the way of helping your kids choose self-discipline. They’ll protest—that’s normal! But a wise mom doesn’t let whining rock her decisions. God offers you His grace and strength to push through those moments. He is with you as you dedicate your time, energy, and life to Him and your family and take full advantage of the opportunity to train your children.

Dear Lord, thank You for guiding and encouraging me with Your Holy Spirit … especially when I’m tired and my kids are tearful. Help me raise my children to follow after Your own heart. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

A Mom After God’s Own Heartby Elizabeth George offers 10 principles to help moms make God an everyday part of their children’s lives. Order your copy today and receive a free copy of Encouraging Words for a Woman After God’s Own Heart!

REFLECT

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

In what areas am I personally lacking self-discipline?

REMEMBER

Choose to give your children what they need, not always what they want.