Behavior Problem

[janey1949]

My 21 month old granddaughter has some awful meltdown tantrums when things don't go her way. They are not your garden variety tantrums....they are awful! They seem worse when she is tired. They are terrible!! It's like she becomes obsessed and nothing we do seems to help. She throws things, bangs her head,  kicks, trys to bite, screams and on and on. We've ignored her, talked calmly to her, talked sternly to her, put her in timeout (or tried to) etc., etc. It breaks my heart and is nerve racking when she acts like this. Her parents are at their wits end. How can we tell if she has a behavior problem that needs medical attention? Or do we just hope and pray she grows out of it??? Help!

[Sandman2]

    Get the book, called "Raising Lions", by Joe Newman.  If you go to his web site and subscribe to his newsletter you can get $3.00 off the book.  The site is http://raisinglions.com/.  He deals exactly with situations like this.   Basically, if you don't take action you are teaching her that what she is doing works.  And she also is not learning how to self regulate.

[skepticalpeach]

My 6 year old has these. They are just awful. She has autism and has a ton of trouble staying calm. She throws things and even grabs glasses off from faces. We've set up a therapy room in our basement. Right now it has a swing a really nice rug. It will have more items in the future. I would start talking to your pediatrician about getting a referral for occupational therapy and to have a chat with a behavioral pediatrician.

How do the adults in her life resolve their disagreements? Are they setting a good example? It is really important that things stay positive, and that she can see how people do resolve disputes. Never argue about or discuss her condition in front of her.