The Follow-Up: How to Handle a Tantrum

The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom

Tantrums are a universal parenting challenge—they can feel overwhelming, embarrassing, or downright exhausting. But what if you had a simple, practical way to respond that actually helps your child learn to calm down?

In this follow-up episode, I’m joined by Chris Lake, educator, child development expert, and founder of Behavior Booster. Chris breaks down his “Lake Method” of de-escalating tantrums in a way that makes sense for both kids and parents.

We cover:

• What to do first when a tantrum starts (hint: safety comes before soothing)

• Why letting your child move through the crying cycle matters

• How to avoid common pitfalls that accidentally reinforce tantrums

• The power of validating emotions without caving to demands

• What an “extinction burst” looks like and why it’s actually a sign of progress

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