photo credit: Sébastien Barillot

In the process of parenting your child, there must be many occasions where your child displayed expressions of anger. Your child will most probably throw a tantrum while expressing his anger. There may be various reasons for his show of anger such as when not getting what he wants or not getting his way or feeling disappointed about something.

As a parent, it is beneficial for you to learn how to deal with your child’s display of anger. First, understand if he is showing unreasonable or inappropriate behavior. For example, a child who is tired or who did not get enough sleep will be more prone to this behavior.

Teach your child to manage his anger by outlining some simple rules of control such as:

• Counting to ten slowly before talking again

• Find alternative ways to vent his anger like punching a pillow, running in the garden, etc.

Of course you as the parent should be a good role model for your child. I know this is not easy sometimes. I have to admit that there have been times when I lost my temper and said a lot of negative words to my own kids.

Hence, you may want to adopt some strategies or ways that work positively. For example,

• Always speaking in a soft voice

• Using time-out to get some reprieve from an explosive situation

You can adopt some or all of the ideas above. Both parent and child will benefit greatly from them especially in the long run.

photo credit: a4gpa

A baby cries for different reasons and is expressing his needs in the only way he knows. Below are the common reasons why a baby cries:

#1: He is hungry or needs a feed
When you have not fed your baby for a few hour and he also just emptied his bowels, then he is most probably feeling hungry. After a few weeks, you will learn the baby’s routine and how often he needs to be fed. This enables you to make all the necessary preparations early like always having hot water and cooled boiled water ready to cut down on preparation time. In addition, some babies do get hungry quicker and need to be fed more often.

I notice my own children prefer smaller but more frequent feeds during the daytime and nighttime as well.

#2: He is tired
Babies generally need a lot of sleep time. If your baby has been awake for a few hours, he may be tired and fussy. If you notice the signs like yawning or wandering attention, put your baby to sleep in his normal sleeping environment.

photo credit: abardwell

#3: He is over stimulated
Too much stimulation may also tire your baby easily and he may cry or whine requesting for time out or a break.

photo credit: eedrummer

#4: He is bored
Your baby naturally likes to learn new things. If he is left alone with nobody to play with or has nothing new that catches his interest, he may just cry. As he develops physically, starting from the age of 3 months, he is looking for more things to learn and capture his attention.

photo credit: lenifuzhead

#5: He is in pain or discomfort
If your baby is feeling uncomfortable, for example too hot, too cold or has teething pain, then he will cry. He is requesting for you to ease his pain or discomfort. If your baby is sick, then look out for the symptoms like a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. It is always safe to bring him to the doctor to ensure everything is fine.

photo credit: jonner

#6: He wants your company
Some babies love being cuddled or hold. When they want some interaction or someone to touch or stroke them, they may cry for it.

#7: He has colic
Some babies around the age of 3 to 16 weeks may show signs of having colic. Some of the signs are a red and angry face, a tense abdomen, knees drawn up, constipation and the baby is difficult to sooth.

photo credit: Emi PhotoArt

#8: He is throwing a tantrum
Surprise, surprise! Even babies know how to throw a tantrum. Some babies want to have their own way from an early age. If you notice this problem you can try to distract him from it. For example, distract him by giving him a toy or playing a music or song.

The above are the most common reasons to explain your baby’s cries. The parents normally have a hard time hearing their babies cry and not knowing the reason for it. Understanding what your baby wants makes it easier for you to sooth him.