I’m a parenting expert – how to handle toddler tantrums and stay cool like Kate Middleton with Prince Louis

NAUGHTY Prince Louis was caught on camera misbehaving and sticking his tongue out at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations at the finale of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

It’s certainly not uncommon for children to throw a bobblehead, and it can be difficult for parents to know the best way to defuse the situation without further drama — especially in public.

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Here, Kirsty Ketley of Auntie K’s Childcare and Consultancy Service and Tanith Carey, author of What’s My Child Thinking? Practical child psychology for modern parents with Dr. Angharad Rudkin, share her top tips for dealing with toddler tantrums.

Walk away and count to ten

Kirsty says: “It’s very easy to feel ashamed and worried about what the people around you are thinking.

“But if you lose it, no one is in control. You’re the adult, so you have to be in control.

“Take deep breaths and count to ten if necessary.

“When another adult is present and the child is safe, there is no shame in walking away if necessary. Take a minute, count to ten, and then go back.”

become a quiz master

Tanith says, “If you see the signs your child is headed for a tantrum, asking questions (‘How many green things can you see in the room can you see?’) to ward them off can help — as long as you keep it in the nick.” catch of time.

“When a child loses control of their emotions, they use their limbic system — the primal, emotional part of their brain.

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“Ask them to look for answers pulls their attention outward and helps them switch back to the more rational prefrontal cortex, the more sophisticated part of the brain they’re still developing.”

hug it

Kirsty says, “Offer a hug.

“This is one of the easiest ways to get a child to calm down, as it makes them feel safe and secure when they’re sitting while cuddling.”

“Not all kids want a hug when they’re angry, but when they calm down they’re like, ‘Would you like a cuddle?’

“Make sure they know you’ll be there to cuddle them when they’re ready.”

Pretend you’re having a tantrum

Tanith says, “What I like about this idea is that if you can use humor, you’re probably in a quieter place yourself.

“The most helpful thing you can do when your child is having a meltdown is NOT to have a real one yourself, which would be like pouring oil on the fire.

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“A tantrum is a sign that your child is feeling overwhelmed – and losing control is a stressful experience for them.

“Laughter and playfulness will help you both because it will release happy endorphins into your body — and you’ll be better able to help them, bring them back to a place of calm.”

Turn on the TV

Kirsty says, “There are books and TV shows like Love Monster on CBeebies that teach kids about emotions.

“These are really good for helping them understand their own emotions and teaching them to express themselves more calmly.”

Know it’s a passing storm

Tanith says, “While a tantrum is in progress, another option is to focus on calming yourself down. This way you can also calm your child much better.

“Take some deep breaths and see it like a cloud flying overhead. It will be over soon.

“Also remember that a child does not throw a tantrum. What they want most is to feel safe and in control again.

“With your help and time, these outbreaks should usually diminish.”

Find a distraction

Kirsty says, “Sometimes it’s possible to distract a toddler just before he completely collapses by diverting his eyes and mind to something else.

“If you have something in your pocket, you can take it out and show them.

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“Singing to them softly works for some kids.

“Or maybe you can direct them to something you see out the window – ‘Look, a cat!’ – or on a supermarket shelf.”