{"id":2369,"date":"2025-05-30T06:00:07","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T13:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kpthrivingfamilies.org\/pediatricsblog\/?p=2369"},"modified":"2025-03-07T12:54:21","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T20:54:21","slug":"time-in-to-help-calm-tantrums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kpthrivingfamilies.org\/pediatricsblog\/time-in-to-help-calm-tantrums\/","title":{"rendered":"Time-In to Help Calm Tantrums"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve heard of using time-out to discipline<\/a> a child \u2013 but have you thought of using time-in? This simple step can really help decrease tantrums.<\/p>\n

I remember when I first struggled to understand this concept. My son was going through a rough patch of temper tantrums and defiant behavior. This was stretching my patience thin, so I asked his preschool teacher, Sandy, for advice. \u201cHe needs more one-on-one positive time with you,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

This was hard to hear \u2013 I was working at the hospital and raising my kids at home, so where was I supposed to find more time? Besides, it seemed hard to imagine that a child\u2019s misbehavior could be solved by spending more time with them.<\/p>\n

It may seem illogical \u2013 but it does work. Here\u2019s the basic idea: Kids are often acting out to get more attention. So any attention we give then is better than less.<\/p>\n

We know that kids who spend more calm, happy one-on-one time with a parent act out less often.<\/h3>\n

The moment your child misbehaves let them know their behavior is not okay. Use natural or logical consequences<\/a> to correct the behavior when it occurs\u2013 and make a note to yourself to spend some extra quiet time with them later. Plan for a few extra cuddles, a game of their choosing, or a walk together.<\/p>\n

Here are some other ideas for time-ins:<\/h3>\n