Ignore? Or interract?

Question

I nanny for a 16 month old boy, and a 6 year old girl. The boy is wonderful, but lately the girl throws HUGE tantrums whenever her mom leaves to go back to work after dropping her off from school. She honestly seems more mad than upset, screaming and crying for about 20 mins, then eventually calming down. Do I interact with her during that time? Or let her be, and throw her fit?

Answer

Thank you guys so much!! I ended up letting her go to her room to calm down, and said she could come out afterwards and join me and her brother for snack time. Worked wonderfully! Thank you!!!

Answer

I worked for a daycare and cared for all ages. All kids differ in wants/needs, but one thing I learned with MOST kids, is to ignore them when they are throwing fits. If you give them the attention during the fits, they learn that you will always give them attention when they are doing so. If you ignore it, they will eventually realize that they aren't getting any attention, and they stop the behavior. You could even think of something fun for you and the 16 month old to do while she is throwing her fit, but don't let her join until she is completely done throwing the fit.

Answer

Try acknowledging her feelings. Let her know that you understand how hard it is when her mom leaves, and leave it at that. She might stay upset for a little while, which is fine. Or she might feel a lot better knowing that someone "gets it." Now, if she is hitting or throwing or anything, then you absolutely don't need to condone that behavior. At that point, "I understand you are angry, but I won't let you hit (or whatever)" should be fine.

Answer

Personal experience, when my husband leaves for work I distract my son in another room with something else while hubby sneaks out the door. Maybe mention something like this to her mom and see what her view is on the matter.

Ignore? Or interract?

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