Temper tantrums in 9.5mo

[JimJammum]

Anyone any advice for dealing with a lo who has temper tantrums way before the terrible twos?! He sleeps and eats well, but hates going in the buggy (would rather walk, as he can do if he holds on to my hands) and sometimes car seat. Rigid body and lots of shouting. Am I making it wose by allowing him to walk when he kicks up a fuss, or are they too young at this age to learn about manipulation?

I think (though I'm hardly the voice of experience) that at this age it's all about distraction - singing works pretty well for us. Also a tip from my mum is to always tell them the overall plan, e.g. "We're going to go in the buggy now as we're going to the shops, and we'll buy something nice for dinner, etc." before you try to do anything - even at 9-10 months they understand a bit, and if nothing else it's a good habit. Mum reckons it generally makes children more biddable - maybe a bit less bewildered. Anyway, essentially a bump so that someone more knowledgeable will come along.

There are times where he has to do what you want for his own safety, be it sit in his car seat or not touch plugs. With those things use distraction (tickling to make him sit in seat for example) and a firm but consistent tone withta simple reason (you must be in pushchair near traffic). Not that he'll "get" it yet but he will gradually learn from your tone you mean business and the reinforcement action will eventually condition his behaviour/reaction. It is frustration at the gap between what he wants ot do and what he is able to do, not a temper tantrum as such. Restricting his new found freedom to move is a common trigger.