A mother of a 3-year-old reports temper tantrums. The nurse's best guidance is to:

• A. Set limits on the child's behavior
• B. Punish the child every time the child says 'no', to change the behavior
• C. Ignore the child when this behavior occurs
• D. Allow the behavior because this is normal at this age period

Answer: (A)

Setting limits consistently helps toddlers manage behavior as they explore autonomy. At about three years old, children are pushing for independence and expressing wants through tantrums; they don’t yet have mature self-control to handle strong emotions. Clear, firm, and calm boundaries give them predictable expectations and teach them how to cope within safe, age-appropriate limits.

To apply this effectively, respond with brief, specific statements of the rule and immediate, calm follow-through if the limit is crossed. For example, use a simple rule like “We use gentle hands,” and redirect or remove the child from the situation if needed, then return to the activity once they’re calm. Avoid yelling or harsh punishment, which can escalate distress and teach that tantrums are an effective way to get attention. Don’t ignore safety concerns or let tantrums become the default method for getting what they want. Instead, pair limits with positive reinforcement for compliant behavior and offer choices within the boundaries to support a sense of autonomy. This approach helps reduce tantrums over time by teaching the child self-regulation within a secure, predictable framework.