Page 18 - link magazine

Family News

Emerge Youth help street children in Latin America
preschool

gymnastics

where an early
start makes a world
of difference!

Amy O’Melia of Toybox, centre, receiving a cheque for emerge members
Young people from the emerge children’s basic needs for food, many other things which would not
youth project at Holy Trinity Church, shelter, education and love. be possible otherwise.
Shaw were busy during the Autumn They also focus on providing At a cheque presentation in
term fundraising for Toybox charity, children with birth certificates early February, Amy told emerge
which works with street children in to give them a legal identity and members that 25 street children
Latin America. protection. It also means that they would have a brighter future thanks
The youngsters raised an can take exams, get married, and do to their fundraising.
impressive total of £800 through a
sponsored walk and run and cake
daily classes for the under 5’s sale in Lydiard Park, and at the March: What to do
club’s annual Christmas show. about tantrums
01793 822262 of Toybox gave a moving account of
During the evening Amy O’Melia
www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk how the charity meets the street Information and advice for parents from ePIP

Every parent dreads the terrible be a useful way of helping bring a
twos and being faced with the sight tantrum to an end. Soothe the child
of their own child in melt down, and help them recognise and safely
screaming and thumping the floor, release their frustration.
lying face down in the frozen food Research has shown that by doing
aisle of the local supermarket. this, children are more likely to
However, tantrums are a natural grow into adults who can manage
stage of a child’s development. their emotions and deal with
They typically occur between the stressful situations more calmly.
ages of 2 and 4 and peak at 2½ Important things to remember
with over 90 per cent of children at about tantrums:
this age exhibiting tantrums. • They are a normal part of child
During this time children are development.
undergoing major physical, • They can be reduced, but
intellectual and emotional changes. probably not avoided.
Their vocabularies are growing, • Distraction techniques can help
they’re eager to do things on their bring them to an early end.
own and they’re beginning to • Soothing helps them to self-
understand rules and consequences. manage emotions in later life.
However, most 2 year olds can’t yet After tantrums have subsided,
clearly communicate their needs continue the really important job
or control their feelings and this of building up their self-esteem
can easily result in frustration and with lots of cuddles and positive
misbehaviour. attention. Let them earn rewards
To help minimise tantrums, have for their good behaviour and you
clear, simple rules that your child can reap the rewards in the long
can follow and simple consequences run. Happy parenting!
for bad behaviour. By ePiP consultant Tamsin
Alongside this, using praise,
encouragement and rewards for About ePiP
good behaviour is essential. When This is a personal parenting service
appropriate, avoid saying ‘no’ too accessible to all. Full details of the
often, but mix in phrases like ‘yes, service are available online, along
but after lunch’ or ‘later.’ with the option to register for more
If a tantrum occurs, remain calm free parenting information and
and allow them to release their advice. Find out more at:
emotions. Distraction can often www.epipdirect.com
18 swindonlink.com n March 2016