TREATS & TANTRUMS (3 YRS OLD)

S has been having many tantrums during the day, from big things to small things. She had a tantrum today because momma didn't let her play in her tent when it was dinner time. But, she also had a tantrum because she wanted a juice box while momma was driving.

Well, lately, she's been asking for a piece of candy at the end of her tantrums. Momma realized today that S thinks tantrums and treats are related. After agreeing to give her a piece of candy today after crying because momma didn't pick her up fast enough, S said happily, "You give me candy after I cry." Just to check, momma asked S, "why did I give you a piece of candy?" "Because I cry" responded S.

Momma guesses she has been giving in to S demands for candy because it does stop her from crying and having a tantrum. Momma didn't realize she was sending the wrong signal, nor did she realize she was being manipulated.