Twin city review. [volume] (Champaign, Ill.) 19??-1929, 1925-10-09
Child Management
l3.-TEMPER TANTRIMS
Il, DIR. ID. 4. Thorn


Almost invariably one learns that
the temper tantrums manifested by
children work out, either directly or
indirectly, 10 their advantage. for the
moment at least.
One small boy of oleyerly used
this method to gain attention from the
family whenever he felt sighted or
left out. If corrected or if things did
not suit him the response MAS lmme-
diate, First, Johnny would burst in
to tears; TIM would follow piercing
screams; if this failed TO bring results
he would cast himself on the floor
kicking and striking whatever came
In his way. BY this time the family
as rule, relented, knowing what
would follow. If, however, they held
out Johnny Vas not discouraged. He
had final card to play. The kicking
and screaming would stop; he would
become rigid, because he held his
breath he would begin to turn blue
about the mouth. This was the end.
He had brought them TO his feet.
Wet clothes were dashed in his face,
and he was comforted and promised
whatever he desired, however impos-
sibie. Having achieved his desires
for the moment he would return to
his own affairs. To one who Is not
familiar with these outburSts this may
sound exaggerated, but it, Is not.
They are truly terrifying, and it re-
quires a cool head and strong determ-
rnatiGn 10 hold out against child UNI
der such conditions.
Temper tantrums in each instance
must be considered in relation to the
exciting cause and the personality of
the child. If they represent an I'M
conscious protest against the thwart-
ing of some fundamental desire, every
effort should be made TO determine the
cause and remove it or alter the
childs attitude toward it. On the
other hand, if they have become
habitual-that is, a crude method OF
gaining an end-or if they are utilized
to attract attention or obtain brides
then it must be definitely decided that
they will no longer work out to the
child's advantage. Once definite
stand is adopted it will not take the
child long TO see that his former
methods of gaining his ends are no
longer tolerated, that he is making no
material gain and is losing appropa-
ton by his conduct. When once he
senses this the temper tantrums will
be discarded.
MANY of these periodic and appar-
emily unexplained outbursts might be
avoided if the parents would stop now
and then and take account of stock"
Look into the ehild's general condition.
A #
fatigue such as twitching or jerking
Of the larger muscles or blinking
of the eyes? Is he eating and sleep
ing well, ana Is his elimination good ?
What about school and playmates Is
he getting on we'll? Does he mix well
with other children, or do they tease
him; and if 50, why? Does he play
with older or younger children? Is he
inclined to be a bully? Does he take
his part in games What are his
duties outside of schiil? Is he being
tutored TO make higher grade or TO
keep him in his class? Does he have
too much 10 do-music and dancing
lessons, which keep him from having
sufficient outdoor eNeTcise2
Find out what he is thinking about.
What are MS problems, hopes and dis
appointments? II he seems unhappy
find the cause of his discomfort. He
may be jealous or troubled by some
ill-defned fear, or worried by the
problem of sex. He may feel inferior
to others. Help him to see things
clearly and in their true light. APP
preciate the fact that the obligations
Of parenthood mean something more
than to see that the child has enough
to eat and wear and does not steal,
The big task is to see that the boy
or girl is happy and that he or she
is learning how TO meet the problems