Q: I’m a first-time mum to Lily, 11 months. A few weeks ago she started having extreme tantrums – throwing herself back, stiffening and screaming. I had tantrums as a child. Is it hereditary?
Jo Frost says: In a word… no! There’s no ‘tantrum gene’ – but I often say to mums, “welcome to yourself,” as when your child starts this extreme behaviour (and they all do it), you will laugh at wondering who’s temperament she has! Don’t fret, the way she is physically when she does this is normal, too. So, what can you do? Sometimes you can distract her, or compromise, but other times (like when she might put herself in danger) you can’t. You’ll learn to judge when those moments are. If there’s no reasoning with her, keep calm, move away and ignore her. She’ll calm down and come to you eventually.
