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If a child throws a tantrum and gets her way, she will repeat the behavior more often. Even after trying to reason or punishing the child, she will still be getting attention for her behavior (Essa, 1983).
"When children learn that whining, crying, and sulking are powerful ways to get others to do what they want right now, they become self-centered and narcissistic adults" (Eastman & Rozen, 1994, p. 58).
"Early behaviors such as temper tantrums and grade school troublesomeness have been found to significantly predict adolescent and adult offenses, and suggest and underlying developmental continuum. Nursery school children who obtain goals through aggression are likely to go on using this behavior to pursue goals" (Davis & Boster, 1992, p. 560).
Instead of giving in, it is best to teach the child appropriate ways of dealing with their anger. Label feelings and give them positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior. "Encouraging a more positive method of dealing with anger may also have a beneficial long-term effect by preventing some of the health and interpersonal problems that accompany irresponsible anger management" (Marion, 1994, p. 155).
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