Screaming toddlers throwing themselves on the floor can drive parents to despair. What triggers the tantrums and how to deal with them.
The child’s hand clenches around the broccoli floret and peppers it onto the kitchen floor. “You’re picking that up again now,” says the father at the festively set family table. “No!” the child yells and trudges through the kitchen over rice and broccoli. It’s already over – the dream of a harmonious family meal. It can be frustrating: even parents sometimes want to throw themselves on the floor and howl in rage. It’s not easy for adults to keep their emotions under control either. So how does it work anyway? What is the best way to deal with children’s tantrums? And what answers does science have?