Your baby may have already shown you "anger." It is important to understand the stages of angry behavior to help you decide how to handle the situation. It starts when your baby wants something he can't have or when something is taken away from him. Your baby looks angry, and his body is heavy and tight. He focuses on what he wants and won't be distracted. He may kick and scream. He is having a temper tantrum. He is being controlled by his anger.

Now you have to help him learn to control his anger. Yelling and punishing him are not helpful. Actually, they make things worse. He is out of control. So you have to be in control to help him control his anger. Think about when and where your baby gets angry. Is he hungry or tired? If so, either feed him or change the schedule. If it happens in a particular place or situation, see what you can change to prevent your baby from becoming angry. If your baby is frustrated because he can’t crawl back down the stairs, show him how to crawl backwards.

If your baby is frustrated because you have set certain limits (such as no cookies), try to interest him in a different activity or object. If this doesn’t work, pretend to ignore him as you straighten the room or wash the dishes. Stay nearby and be patient. When he sees that you are not paying attention, he will eventually quiet down. Once your baby is calm, give him a hug and a little understanding. His strong emotions are no fun for you, but they are scary for him too.

What if your baby gets upset in a public place, like the grocery store? This is harder. Once again, try to interest him in something else, like a toy or a picture on a cereal box. If he continues to be frustrated, you may have to pick him up and leave the store.

This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If we write him or her, we are talking about all babies. Every baby is different. Normal children may do things earlier or later than described in this FAQ. This FAQ describes typical children at each age. Each child is special and develops at his or her own pace.