BAYLOR REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER AT GRAPEVINE
To find a board-certified colorectal surgeon or to schedule your screening colonoscopy, just log on to www.BaylorHealth.com/GrapevineCancer or simply call 1-800-4BAYLOR.
DR. PETE STAVINOHA/ TAMING TODDLER TANTRUMS
Handling Tantrums
Ultimately, children need to talk about their feelings of anger rather than lashing out verbally or physically. But when the first tantrums hit, often somewhere around the two-year mark, children don't yet know the words to describe their emotions. So they act them out instead. Your goal in handling a tantrum is to let the child know that this behavior will get him or her absolutely nowhere. It is best to handle it without anger and without submission. If parents are calm and consistent, eventually the child will realize that the parent is not going to indulge the tantrum and the child will learn more appropriate ways to communicate her feelings.
Remain calm and consistent. It helps if you remind yourself that a tantrum is a natural and not a "bad" reaction to frustration and anger. Go about your affairs and wait for the storm to pass. Parent stress and anxiety feeds the child’s anxiety and upset, so keeping calm also helps by not contributing to the tantrum.
Don't show anger or disgust. Your child is already going through quite an ordeal. Don't make it worse.
Don't give in…EVER. Don't let her do or get whatever caused the tantrum. Placating your child or giving in only reinforces the behavior. If you give in, you can bet you’ll see more tantrums in the future.
Don't try to reason with the child during the outburst. Your child is a boiling sea of emotions and is in no frame of mind to listen to logic or reason.
Don't threaten punishment. Saying something like, "Stop it or I'll really give you something to cry about," is like putting out a fire by pouring gasoline on it.
Do name the child's emotion. When a child gets angry and loses control, say something like, "I know you're really mad now." Such a simple acknowledgment teaches kids to communicate what they are feeling and lets them know the anger is not bad. They just need to learn better ways to express it.
Let the tantrum run its course. Find a way to ignore it that suits you best. For example, some parents can just stand by and say nothing. Others may say something like, "I know you're angry, but you'll need to go to your room to finish crying." Others may simply say firmly, "Go to your room to cool down."
Prevent physical harm. Don't let the child attack you or anyone else or hurt himself or destroy his or others' property. If this is likely, hold him firmly but as gently as possible until he settles down.
Remember that your child is not an enemy. Rather, she needs your help in learning mature ways of behaving. She needs to know that when she has lost control, you are there for her and will help her regain it. If you respond to her outburst with yelling or spanking, you lose the opportunity to model how to deal with upsetting feelings.
When the tantrum is over and the child calms down, it is time to begin rebuilding. Wash the child's face and offer a drink of water. Reaffirm that there is nothing wrong or bad about feeling angry.
Tantrums in Public
If your child has a tantrum in front of relatives, friends, or at the supermarket—in other words, with an audience who may be judging you—handling a tantrum may seem harder for you. But try to think about your priorities. Are you raising your child to please your neighbors or to help the child be happy and emotionally healthy? Regardless of your "audience," use the same basic techniques outlined above. Consider moving the child to as secluded a spot as possible, and simply stay with the child until the tantrum subsides. Sometimes this means leaving the store before you’ve finished shopping – again, what is the priority – is it the shopping or the parenting?
The idea behind being calm, consistent, and never giving in is that the child will learn (some sooner than others) to expect the parent’s calm, non-indulgent reaction. If the child learns that the tantrum will get her absolutely nowhere, then the tantrums usually subside because the purpose is gone. Kids may still get really upset at times, but at least parents won’t be contributing to it or even making it worse by being inconsistent or even indulgent.
Preventing Tantrums
Even more important than handling a tantrum is finding out what caused it so that you can try to avoid the circumstances that might trigger another outburst. Temper tantrums most often occur when a child is tired, unoccupied, or frustrated. By being aware of common triggers for your child, many tantrums can simply be avoided with smart planning. It is also important for parents to recognize when their parenting resources are low – like when we are in public, we are more anxious as parents. And when we have a hurried schedule or are in a rush, we focus less on the parenting priorities. It is important that parents know their parenting strengths as well as weaknesses (and recognize beforehand situations that will be more difficult to manage). With thoughtful planning, tantrums can be more easily endured and will actually go away sooner.
JAY'S NEW YOU BOOT CAMP CHALLENGE
Lin and Jay Johnson are looking for 20 people to take part in their 9 week “New You” workout challenge. Its runs from January 26th thru March 30th. Each participant will need to be available Tuesday’s and Thursdays to work out at Victory Park from 9-10 am. If you are interested, log onto www.jaysbootcamp.com to register and answer some essay questions. All of the rules/requirements are online. All 20 people will be selected by Lin and Jay Johnson and the winner will also be decided by Lin and Jay Johnson. Please consult your doctor to be sure you are ready for a new workout routine.
If you are interested in working out with Lin and Jay during this 9 week challenge, but don’t want to formally enter the challenge, you can still work out at Victory Park from 9-10 am Tuesday’s and Thursdays.
DR. DELPHINIUM
Dr Delphinium Designs & Events, based in Dallas, Texas, is a full service florist that has served customers worldwide. Founded in 1988, Dr Delphinium Designs & Events was the first European flower market in the United States. The company is known for carrying high quality arrangements, unique flower and plants. A wide range of distinctive glass and ceramic vases are always available. The company also operates an extensive special events business for weddings, parties and corporate events. Along with the special events side, Dr Delphinium provides a high-caliber interior landscaping service for your home or office.
The company operates two retail locations: The main store at Lovers Lane and a second location at Medical City. Dr Delphinium was nominated by The Dallas Business Journal in 2007 and in 2008 as one of the best places to work. The company also received Best Florist 2008 from Dallas Observer readership.
The highest-quality customer service is Dr Delphinium's trademark. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We accept orders 24 hours a day via www.DrDelphinium.com.
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How to care for your Cut Flowers:
Fill Clean container with water. Add preservative. Remove foliage that will be below water level; cut each stem at an angle with a sharp knife and immediately place flowers in water. Display your flowers in a cool location out of direct sunlight. Avoid extreme hot and cold areas. Add water daily. After three days change water and add preservative. How to care for your Rose Arrangement: Immediately upon arrival, check water level and add warm water if needed. Use floral preservative; keep water level high in the vase daily. Arranging foam should always be kept saturated. Display roses in cool location out of direct sun. Avoid excessively hot or cold areas |
BLISS RAW CAFÉ AND ELIXIR BAR
6855 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231-6403
(214) 987-0204
Dallas, TX 75231-6403
(214) 987-0204
TEXAS MUSIC REVOLUTION
Sunday, March 21
Southfork Ranch
Doors open at 12:30pm
www.KHYI.com for tickets
