22 Phrases to Stop a Tantrum in Its Tracks

Dr. McCoy discourages parents from bribing kids mid-tantrum. Saying, "If you calm down, you can have ice cream!" will only breed bad behavior next time. Instead, she suggests trying a proactive approach. If your child behaves in a given situation (being patient while you get ready), he gets a reward (watching a show, having fruit snacks, stopping by the park). "You're rewarding the desired behaviors rather than the tantrum," she explains.