From the author: How to respond to the whims of a child, and what to do if the baby already controls all the adults in the family. The age from one to three years is one of the most sensitive and tender periods in the development of a child. The baby is still closely connected with his mother psychologically and often constantly needs her presence. From the outside it may seem that during this period there should be no tense moments or misunderstandings between mother and child. However, in reality, we very often encounter many questions and difficulties that arise for a parent. And whims are just one of them. Complaints about a child’s frequent tantrums demanding something (toys, candy, etc.) or for no reason (protests, reluctance to undress, eat, etc.) are not uncommon among modern parents. Attempts to switch attention and captivate the child with something will not always be successful. The situation is often complicated by the fact that several adults are involved in the educational process, each of whom has his own view of education and constantly criticizes the other. What to do in such situations, and what approach to choose for the child? Let's try to figure it out. Let's start by answering the question: what is hysteria? Nothing more than a way of influencing an adult in order to get what they want. In this case, a child, with the help of a hysteria, tries to get an expected object or benefit from an adult. If the child finds a positive response to his behavior (hysteria, whim, tears), i.e. gets what he wants, then this behavior is reinforced as a mechanism of influence on an adult. To avoid such reinforcement, it is more advisable to break such an associative connection for the child and stop responding to the stimulus sent by the child. The most effective way to combat tantrums is to not react to them. Create an opportunity for your child to be alone with his emotions, try not to react and not cause panic. There is no public in which such a “concert” can be staged—there is no hysteria. The child begins to cry only so that someone will see, hear and “take pity” and react in some way. If there is no audience or reaction, if you are calm and not paying attention to what is happening, the meaning of tears disappears. This method produces results quite quickly - the child stops crying and makes further contact. Of course, here you can say that it is incredibly difficult, not to feel sorry for your child, not to meet him halfway and not to give what he asks for at the moment only so that the baby stops crying. After all, the tears of children, and especially of your own child, are a heartbreaking scene. I agree with you, and you will be absolutely right. It's complicated. This requires a certain strength of character, patience, and endurance. It is possible to form these qualities in yourself, or even better to find them, if you strive for it. Any work on yourself, including raising a child, requires effort. But it is precisely these qualities that will help you in the future develop a healthy personality that will feel boundaries and distinguish between what is possible and what is not. And moreover, to feel the authority of an adult. You will not have any further questions regarding the child’s respect for you as a parent. And believe me, to a greater extent it is through the family that this concept is formed, and to a lesser extent through society. I’m not talking here about despotism towards the child, but about healthy parental firmness and the ability to say “no” in time. A certain discord in upbringing is created by a large number of adults who demonstrate different educational approaches to the child and, moreover, criticize each other in front of their eyes The child has. Thus, the child has difficulty understanding who acts as an authority before him and whose opinion and behavior should be guided by. If such a situation is complicated by the fact that when one adult tries to punish, the other often acts as a defender and takes pity on the child, then the child finally loses the authority of both adults, does not know how to.