I’m a nanny – the six-step S.C.R.E.A.M plan that works a charm during toddler tantrums and helps you keep your cool
ANY parent will know how difficult it can be to placate a toddler who's in the middle of a tantrum.
And it's can often be tough to keep your own cool as well.
But nanny Laura Amies has a clever six-step plan that works a charm amid toddler tantrums - and it's super easy to remember.
"When your child is screaming, your instinct and senses will tell you there’s a major issue or cause for concern,"
"Sometimes there will be an emergency, MANY times there won’t be, but either way it’s incredibly helpful to have a pre-prepared plan.
"There are certain actions which allow your brain (and your child’s brain) to determine whether or not there is a real threat or if there’s just a perceived threat."
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Laura uses the "S.C.R.E.A.M"; analogy to remember what to do.
First up, S for Safety.
"Stop for just a moment to determine if you and your child are safe," she said.
"Let your brain know that your environment is safe by assessing the situation and taking note that there is no actual threat to life."
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C is for "cool, calm, collected".
"The calmer you remain, the easier it will be for your brain to believe you're not under physical threat," Laura explained.
"Whilst I know this isn’t easy, your child will also find it easier to calm down if their environment remains relatively calm."
Next, you need to "reduce sensory input".
"It can be very stressful and overwhelming for our brains if there is a lot of environmental stimulation to process.," she said.
"Consider reducing sensory input where possible by turning the TV off, radio down, putting phone onto silence, partially drawing curtains or closing windows if the neighbours’ dogs are barking etc."
Fourthly, have an "exit plan".
"If you are outside of the home and your child is having an outburst, in some cases it might be preferable for you to leave and go home, therefore reducing the pressure," Laura said.
"If you are at home and your child’s outburst becomes overwhelming, if it’s safe to you may choose to calmly exit the room to take a breather."
Next, "allow recovery time".
"Where possible, allow things to settle before discussing the behaviour, asking questions or moving onto the next activity," she continued.
And finally, "Mum’s the word".
"Say as little as possible during an outburst, keeping language use clear and simple in a bid to prevent adding fuel to the fire," Laura advised.
"Remembering that you don’t have to fix negative emotions."
"This is really helpful for me thank you, I REALLY struggle with staying cool when my son is screaming," one grateful mum commented on Laura's post.
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"This is great advice," another praised.
"Wish I had known all of this three years ago BEFORE the ‘terrible twos’ hit! Lol."