Handling a Temper Tantrum
Rahul throws a tantrum in the supermarket when Anita won't buy him a toy. She calmly helps him settle down and talks to him about his feelings.
Key words and phrases
Useful sentences
- Ask Why is he crying and stomping his feet?
- Answer He's having a tantrum because he wants a toy.
- Ask How should I handle a tantrum in public?
- Answer Stay calm and speak to him gently.
- Ask Should I give in to stop the tantrum?
- Answer No, it's better to explain calmly instead.
- Ask Can distracting him help?
- Answer Yes, sometimes a different activity helps him calm down.
- Ask Is it okay for him to feel frustrated?
- Answer Yes, but we should talk about those feelings.
- Ask Why is he whining so much?
- Answer He's tired and upset about not getting the toy.
- Ask How can I comfort him during a meltdown?
- Answer A gentle hug and a calm voice usually help.
- Ask Should I ask him to breathe slowly?
- Answer Yes, that helps him cope with the frustration.
- Ask How do I reassure him that I still care?
- Answer Tell him calmly that saying no doesn't mean you love him less.
- Ask Is it important to listen before explaining anything?
- Answer Yes, listening first helps him feel understood.
Dialogue
RahulI want that toy! Buy it for me now!
AnitaI understand you really want it, but not today.
Rahul(stomps his feet and cries loudly)
AnitaLet's take a deep breath together and calm down.
Rahul(slowly stops crying) I'm still sad, Mumma.
AnitaThat's okay to feel. Let's talk about it at home.
RahulI'm sorry I was whining so much, Mumma.
AnitaIt's okay to feel upset, but next time try to tell me with words.
RahulOkay. Can we go home and read a story now?
AnitaOf course. I'm proud of you for calming down so well.
Common mistakes
- Saying "he did tantrum" instead of "he had a tantrum" or "he threw a tantrum."
- Saying "make him calm" instead of "help him calm down" or "calm him down."
- Saying "he is angry child" instead of "he is having a tantrum" — a single tantrum doesn't define the child's character.
- Saying "he is crying since morning" instead of "he has been crying since morning" (use the present perfect continuous, not simple present).
- Saying "comfort to him" instead of "comfort him" ("comfort" as a verb does not need "to").
- Saying "breathe slow" instead of "breathe slowly" (use the adverb "slowly" to describe how he should breathe).
Quick quiz
1. What is a "tantrum"?
2. The ability to stay calm while dealing with difficulty is called ___.
3. Complete: "Take a deep breath and ___."
4. To say or do something to remove someone's doubts or fears means to ___ them.
5. An intense, often uncontrollable emotional outburst is called a ___.
6. Complete: "She spoke to him in a ___ voice."
Practise speaking and listening
The free Day to Day English app turns every lesson into practice with audio, a story you follow and more than 1680 words to learn.