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Here are some myths about temper tantrums that are just not true.

• Temper tantrums aren’t healthy. This is not true. They are normal and serve a purpose. These tantrums are often the only way that your child can communicate with you. They give your child a way to vent.

• If your child has temper tantrums they are bad kids. This is not true. Tantrums are not a bad thing and either is the child that has one. They are not a planned thing. In most cases, your child doesn’t misbehave on purpose.

• If your child has temper tantrums it means you are a bad parent. This is not true. There are many reasons why your child has a temper tantrum this is not in any way related to how you are a parent.

• There is nothing you can do about temper tantrums. This is not true. There are many ways you can learn on how to prevent them. You can also teach your child to learn how to express themselves better.

• The only reason why your child is having a temper tantrum is to manipulate you. This is not true. The only time you should ignore your child having a temper tantrum is when they are doing it to seek attention. (This hardly happens in children over three or four.)

• If you respond to your child during a tantrum you are spoiling him. This is not true. For many of the situations that you get into with your child the best way to respond is by using compassion.

• You should always have full control of your child. This is not true. You are trying to help your child become independent and be able to control his own behaviour. He shouldn’t have to depend on you to control his every move.

• There is only one way to manage temper tantrums. This is not true. There are many ways to deal with temper tantrums. Just be flexible and as your child grows you will learn to adjust your responses. Being flexible is the key to managing.