Throwing tantrums is quite common in kids, and it can be quite a stressful situation for care providers at the childcare centre if, at drop-off, there are a couple of kids throwing tantrums.

Enrolling in a childcare centre in itself is quite the adjustment, but the care providers have the training for behaviour management, even when the kids throw a tantrum. As a parent, however, there is quite a bit you can do to avoid these tantrums and ensure a peaceful, hassle-free hand-off when you drop off your kid.

1.      Ensure Your Child Is Well-Rested

If your child spends most of their day in the childcare centre every day of the week, it is easy to see why you may want to ensure that you have a fun, activity-packed weekend planned out for them. It's all great for getting to spend some quality time together, but you have to be mindful of the excessive stimulation that comes with such a schedule. Ensure that your child gets enough rest, and limit their participation in overly stimulating activities.

The excess stimulation may wear down your child physically and mentally. They will be yearning for some downtime and knowing all too well that there is more activity awaiting them at the centre may only cause frustration, which may be expressed through tantrums.

2.      Know the Triggers and Work Around them

Does your child get frustrated if you don't pay as much attention to them on the ride to the centre? Is the situation better when you keep a conversation going with your kid on the way there?

If inattentiveness is a trigger for your child, then you will be doing everyone a favour by giving that needed attention. Ignore any calls that may come in on the way to the childcare centre and return them later. Let your child take the lead in your conversations, but ensure you are actively involved.

3.      Stay Calm and Calm Your Child Down

Being anything but calm in reaction to your child's tantrums can quickly turn a bad situation worse. If your child is acting up, hold them and reassure them that it will be fine. If your child is old enough to articulate their thoughts, find out what's wrong and do what you can to fix it.

Your child's tantrums can cause the other kids to do the same. With the highlighted pointers, be a responsible parent and prevent, or otherwise manage, these tantrums before drop-off at the centre. Reach out to a childcare centre to learn more about helping your child with this adjustment.