8 Month Old Tantrums

HELP!! my 8 month old throws tantrums (balls up his fists, throws his head back and screams at the top of his lungs) if I'm not constantly holding him AND walking around. If I hold him and sit down he just continues his tantrum. What do I do?

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8 Month Old Tantrums

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Nov 18, 2009
Lots of Stimulation for Tantrum Baby
by: Baby Help Line - Annie

Hi,

Sounds like you have a very determined little boy! Which is actually a great thing even if it is hard to handle. It is very frustrating for a little one, when they can't talk and tell you what they want, and he is communicating in the best way he knows!

I would say he is one of those babies who wants to be in on all the action, and wants to get stuck into life. He also clearly wants to be with you, so in general, try him in a backpack so you can get on and do things while you chat away to him. That way he can see and learn and be a part of everything you are doing.

Secondly, try to head off a tantrum before he starts. Babies need heaps of stimulation - some babies are more content to sit and play quietly or just watch the world, but your little boy I think is a baby that needs lots of stimulation. Play lots of games with him, rolling a ball, peek a boo, stacking blocks. It is much better to give him lots of attention and stimulation when he is NOT throwing a tantrum so he doesn't start to figure out if he chucks a tantrum, Mom will pick him up and walk around, which is lovely and comfortable and interesting. You don't want him to associate Mommy time with tantrums.

I don't believe in leaving a baby to cry or throw a tantrum. Tantrums are actually pretty scary - the frustration of not being able to communicate, not getting what you want and not understanding why, and then the overwhelming feelings of being out of control.

Distraction is usually the best option at this age, rather than giving in if it is something they can't have. Make the distraction really interesting and exciting by using your voice, even if it is just a cardboard box!

He is also at the age where you disappearing out of sight is scary, he has no concept of time, and that you will come back. So having him with you as much as possible, and peepo games will help him get past that stage.

Your little boy with go far, he is not going to sit back and let life control him, he is going to jump right in and make sure he gets the most out it!

Have lots of fun with him, he will get past this stage,
all the best,
Annie Desantis

Jan 09, 2010
thank you annie
by: Anonymous

wow, annie thank you for the advise...i have an 8 month old little girl who is the same way. it is very frustrating when you are trying to get anything done, laundry, dishes, dinner. it is almost impossible. anytime i talk to anyone all they can say is aw, sounds like shes just spoiled rotten. i get so sick of hearing that, it just makes me feel like there is something wrong with her, or something wrong with the way i have raised her so far, i mean, nobody wants a little veruca salt. i really appriciate your out take on it, the fact that some one can actually see it as a different personality, and that she isn't gonna turn out to be totally rotten when she is older. it makes me feel a little better to hear that at least one random person in this world doesn't think i have already screwed her up.

Feb 10, 2010
I agree
by: Anonymous

I have been trying to "research" this. Half the things I read say my son is "spoiled" and to try and get him on his own more frequently. The other half says you can never spoil a child under a year and to give him as much attention as possible. It is just so difficult! I hate hearing him cry with big ol' crocodile tears streaming from his face. He legitimately seems like he's afraid. Obviously I want my son to learn how to comfort himself and spend time on his own (trust me, I would love to have the comfort of some quite moments to myself) but also I do not want to traumatize him. I have come to think that he is just my little SNAG (Sensitive New Age Guy) and I love him all the more dearly. I don't think there is anything wrong with giving babies varying amounts of attention. I think the sensitive ones need a little more to feel secure in this world and my little guy can be more loving than a lot of other babies I've seen, too. I'm sure they will be fine as they get older and just need security now. I don't think anyone except a parent of these children understand what it's like. I have tried putting him down and extending the amount of time I'm away from him, but it is very unsuccessful. Sometimes little ones just need lots of love, I think. They are, after all, so new to this world.

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