Some parents see tantrums as a form of free expression and stand by while their toddlers let rip. Others prefer to help erupting children manage their emotions and avoid tantrums altogether. Dealing with your toddler’s outbursts at home is one thing but what are you supposed to do when you’re on the move?

What kind of tantrum is it?

If your child is brewing up a storm, it’s fairly easy to decide if it’s an “I want my own way” tantrum or one that stems from a real loss of self-control. If it’s a manipulative tantrum, you’d normally be keen to make it clear that the screaming and kicking tactics are not going to pay off. On a journey don’t bring in a completely different set of rules, but consider making them a little bendier.

Choose your battles

Most parents soon learn the twin arts of diversion and distraction in preventing tantrum lift off and it’s no different when you’re en route. Without necessarily giving in directly to a toddler’s demands, try to think of a journey like a special occasion and make reasonable exceptions. If they’ve got their mind set on sweeties, treat them to a pack of stickers. If they want to run around, promise to find a play area. If they’re fascinated by the lift, take them up and down a few floors for fun.

Safety is not an option

While journeys are all about new rules and exciting exceptions, if you are going to stick to your guns on anything, make it safety. Never ever make an exception to the “Seat belt on” rule or the “Stay near me” rule. The sooner your child realizes you are serious about these things they should see that resistance is futile. But if they’re still determined to go into meltdown over one of these non-negotiable issues, then they’ll just have to.

Routines en route

On a long trip, however, many tantrums stem from overtiredness or over-stimulation. Pre-empt your child’s physical needs before she gets to crisis point: give her a snack or drink before she’s desperate. Stop the car for a toilet break and a runaround every hour. Most toddlers thrive on routines and familiarity so try to keep to her eating and sleeping routine as far as possible to avoid travel tantrums. Bring along much-loved items such as a blanket or cuddly toy. If you’re expecting your child to sleep during a journey, then try to replicate as many elements form her bedtime routine as possible such as a story, song, cuddle, pillow, warm milk etc.

Emotional needs

Mums have an amazing ability to pick up on their kids’ subtle signals and anticipate what they’ll need before they even know themselves. To avoid child tantrums you’ll need to have your mummy radar on full beam and be on the look out for the telltale signs of frazzle. When you see frustration start to build spring a treat on them. Map out key hotspots for disappointment and prepare your child: "There’ll be a McDonalds next to the petrol station but I’ve got a yummy snack for you in my bag”. Don’t leave home without a goody bag of treats, toys, games and activities.