Was it right for your child to hit you, throw something, or say fresh words? Nope, but trying to discipline your child in the moment the fire is raging is an exercise in futility. Instead when your child is getting angry or already starting to throw the punches, so to speak, direct them to a quiet activity like reading a book or doing a puzzle.
The other day my daughter had a fit. She hadn't had a nap and it was an extremely hot and long day. I put her on the couch but she jumped off and went for a puzzle. Instead of barking for her to sit in timeout instead, I let her do her puzzle quietly while we both cooled off and approached her a few minutes later to discuss what had happened.
Encouraging your child to do a quiet activity before a tantrum happens can help nip a developing problem in its bud.
