6 and 3 yr old boys - how to calm them down when upset

[Jane378]

Hi,
I’m a parent of 3 girls who are all uni age now. I have two lovely nephews age 3 and 6. They love when I visit and take my two little dogs with me. When I leave though they get very upset. The 3 year old in particular will not calm down - huge temper tantrums and crying. What can I do to make things easier for them and their parents?

My mother ( the boys grandma) was looking after them the other day when I visited - she had such a terrible time after I left that she’s now said that I can’t visit when she is there - that’s ok with me, I can visit at other times - just mentioning to highlight how difficult things can get.

Any suggestions? To be honest it’s mostly the 3 year old that the issue is with so any age appropriate suggestions would be great thanks.

Not sure on calming them down but just wondered if you given them several warnings that you are leaving? For instance after this game we're going to have a drink of juice then I'm going home and you get to xyz with Nanna?

Set them a task to do when you leave, e.g. make a really tall tower out of blocks or complete some colouring, decorate some cupcakes etc…. And promise them that you’ll face time in an hour (once you’re home) to see how it’s gone.

i do give a little warning but now that you mention it I definitely think I could give more. Thanks so much

Great idea - thanks so much 🙂