Managing "tantrum" situations in children and the reaction of parents/ Analyst Kapllani: A calm but firm tone is needed

2026-06-02 18:05:00, Aktualitet CNA

Managing "tantrum" situations in children and the reaction of parents/

Analyst Genta Kapllani spoke on the podcast "Differently, but together" about tantrum situations in children with autism, the parents' reaction and their management.

During a conversation with therapist Debora Zelaj, Kapllani said that in the case of tantrums, behavioral outbursts in children have a specific purpose.

"In the case of tantrums, they are behavioral outbursts and have a purpose. From the moment a behavior is done with a specific purpose, the individual tries to "manipulate the situation. If it is a repeated behavior, it is undoubtedly a reinforced behavior. Here we are at a controlled behavior of the child to get something. Most of the tantrums. Tantrums are to some extent and resemble a whim of a child who does not have difficulties," said Kapllani.

Asked how a parent should react, analyst Kapllani said that a calm but firm tone is needed. She emphasized that the child's wishes should not be fulfilled immediately, but the child should understand the limits.

"Since it is a behavioral outburst, as much as the moment the child's wish is fulfilled, sometimes the parent expresses himself as if with a button. The moment the child gets what he wants, the tantrum will stop. In this case, we must be strict. I suggest and recommend a calm but firm tone. If in the case of a meltdown, the tone is supportive and supportive, in the case of a tantrum we must be firm and strict in what we say. If the parent fulfills the child's wish, of course the situation calms down, as we mentioned above. But this is not the right solution but only a temporary one. The right thing would be for the child not to fulfill his wish at that moment. The child should calm down and by having a firm tone, he understands the limits," the analyst said.

Regarding the management of tantrum situations, cooperation between the therapist, the parent, the support therapist in the school or daycare, and the teacher is very important.

"The collaboration between the therapist, the parent, the support therapist in schools or the educator or the main teacher is very important. In fact, it is the therapist or the behavior specialist who is a leader of this entire process. He must build a strategy, a clear intervention plan for all actors and the same for every environment. Unquestionably, we must be at the same level of intervention with a focus always on communication. Appropriate communication," she said. /CNA