Temper Tantrum

Dear Luke,

In the past month or so, you have grown more bold in protesting when you don't like something. I was feeling like I needed to do some reading on how to handle temper tantrums, because I fear we may be entering that territory. This past weekend, Daddy and I went out to dinner one night and when the babysitter came over, you were NOT happy. I was holding you and trying to explain to her about your dinner when you got really angry. I handed you toys, which you would just throw on the ground. Finally, I set you down and told you you could have your tantrum, then proceeded to give the babysitter the info she needed. I told her to call if you didn't calm down when we left, but thought you probably would. Sure enough, we didn't hear from her and when we got home 3 hours later, she happily said, "He was great. He didn't cry at all." Little stinker. :) I'm glad you were good for the babysitter and now I've got you figured out. I read some helpful articles about temper tantrums the other night. A lot of the popular info out there just says parents should comfort children when they throw tantrums. Something about that didn't sit right with me. These other articles made the point that you need to learn how to cope with frustration, so to not always try to avoid tantrums, but let you learn how to respond when you don't get what you want. And to realize that it's not my fault if you get really upset. And even though it may sound like you are in agony, you really aren't. This is proven by the fact that if you get what you want, you will calm down in 1 second. :) I don't feel so intimidated anymore!

Love,
Mommy