Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
Dealing with My Child's Stubbornness and Tantrums
FREE! Just write your question
— get answers from Best Ayurvedic doctors
No chat. No calls. Just write your question and receive expert replies
1000+ doctors ONLINE
#1 Ayurveda Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 53M : 38S
background-image
Click Here
background image
Pediatrics
Question #47443
47 days ago
482

Dealing with My Child's Stubbornness and Tantrums - #47443

Client_a5aa31

My child is too stubborn..he is not listening to us..he is showing tantrums on us .kindly tell us the solution for this problem

How long has your child been showing these stubborn behaviors?:

- 3-6 months

What triggers your child's tantrums most often?:

- During transitions (like going to bed)

How do you usually respond to your child's tantrums?:

- Calmly talk to them
PAID
Question is closed

Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition

67 Doctors recommend
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
background-image
background-image
background image
banner-image
banner-image

Doctors' responses

THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS WITH HONESTY THIS IS A VERY COMMON AND UNDERSTANDABLE PHASE FOR MANY CHILDREN AND IT DOES NOT MEAN YOUR CHILD IS BAD OR YOU ARE DOING SOMETHING WRONG

FROM AN AYURVEDIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL VIEWPOINT TANTRUMS AND STUBBORN BEHAVIOR USUALLY COME FROM AN IMBALANCE IN EMOTIONAL REGULATION AND ROUTINE RATHER THAN DISOBEDIENCE CHILDREN AT THIS AGE ARE STILL LEARNING HOW TO EXPRESS BIG EMOTIONS AND HANDLE TRANSITIONS LIKE SLEEP TIME FOOD TIME OR STOPPING PLAY

FIRST IT IS IMPORTANT TO STAY CONSISTENT AND CALM AS YOU ARE ALREADY DOING BUT ALONG WITH CALM TALK THERE MUST BE CLEAR BOUNDARIES IF YOU EXPLAIN SOMETHING ONCE OR TWICE AND STILL GIVE IN AFTER A TANTRUM THE CHILD LEARNS THAT CRYING OR REFUSAL WORKS

CREATE A PREDICTABLE DAILY ROUTINE SAME TIME FOR WAKING EATING PLAY STUDY AND SLEEP THIS gives the child a sense of safety and reduces anxiety during transitions

BEFORE TRANSITIONS GIVE A WARNING FOR EXAMPLE TELL HIM FIVE MORE MINUTES THEN BEDTIME SO HIS MIND GETS PREPARED

AVOID SCOLDING SHOUTING OR LONG LECTURES DURING A TANTRUM AT THAT TIME THE CHILD IS EMOTIONALLY OVERLOADED JUST STAY PRESENT KEEP YOUR VOICE LOW AND WAIT FOR HIM TO SETTLE THEN TALK

FROM AN AYURVEDIC SUPPORTIVE SIDE LIMIT EXCESS SUGAR JUNK FOOD CHOCOLATES AND PACKAGED SNACKS AS THESE INCREASE RESTLESSNESS AND IRRITABILITY

ENSURE GOOD SLEEP LACK OF PROPER SLEEP IS A MAJOR CAUSE OF TANTRUMS

YOU CAN GENTLY MASSAGE THE CHILD FEET AND SOLES WITH WARM SESAME OIL OR COCONUT OIL AT NIGHT THIS HELPS CALM THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND IMPROVES SLEEP AND BEHAVIOR

SPEND SOME EXCLUSIVE ONE ON ONE TIME DAILY EVEN 15 MINUTES WHERE YOU ONLY PLAY OR TALK WITH HIM WITHOUT PHONE OR DISTRACTIONS THIS GREATLY REDUCES ATTENTION SEEKING TANTRUMS

PRAISE GOOD BEHAVIOR IMMEDIATELY EVEN SMALL POSITIVE ACTIONS CHILDREN REPEAT WHAT GETS ATTENTION

IF TANTRUMS ARE VERY INTENSE ASSOCIATED WITH POOR SLEEP VERY POOR APPETITE OR DELAYED SPEECH OR SOCIAL SKILLS THEN A DIRECT CONSULTATION WITH A PEDIATRIC AYURVEDIC DOCTOR OR CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST IS ADVISED

MOST IMPORTANTLY REMEMBER THIS IS A PHASE WITH THE RIGHT ROUTINE CONSISTENCY AND CALM GUIDANCE IT WILL IMPROVE GRADUALLY YOU ARE ALREADY DOING YOUR BEST AND WITH A FEW ADJUSTMENTS YOU WILL SEE POSITIVE CHANGES

13124 answered questions
29% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Hlo,

I understand how exhausting this can be for parents 🌼 First, please know this behavior is common and not a failure of parenting. Tantrums and stubbornness usually increase when a child is growing emotionally and trying to assert independence.

Since your child has been showing this behavior for 3–6 months, mostly during transitions (especially bedtime), here is a clear, practical plan you can start using.

Why this is happening Child wants control and independence Difficulty handling change or transitions Emotional skills are still developing Testing boundaries to see how parents respond

What to do (Step-by-Step Solutions) 1️⃣ Create a Predictable Routine (Very Important) Children feel safe when they know what comes next. For bedtime: Same time every day Same steps in same order (bath → story → lights off) Start winding down 30–40 minutes before sleep 👉 Tell him calmly: “After this story, it’s sleeping time.” Repeat it daily.

2️⃣ Give Limited Choices (Reduces Stubbornness) Instead of saying: ❌ “Go to bed now!” Say: ✅ “Do you want to sleep after 1 story or 2 stories?” This gives him control within limits.

3️⃣ Acknowledge Feelings, Not Tantrums When he throws a tantrum: Stay calm (you’re already doing well here 👍) Get down to his eye level Say slowly: “I know you are angry because playtime is over. It’s okay to feel angry, but it’s time to sleep.” ⚠️ Do not argue, lecture, or shout.

4️⃣ Do NOT Give In During Tantrums If you give what he wants after crying, he learns: “Tantrums work.” Be loving but firm: “I love you, but the rule stays the same.” Consistency is the key 🔑

5️⃣ Praise Good Behavior Immediately Children repeat what gets attention. Whenever he cooperates: “Good job listening!” “I’m proud of you for going to bed calmly.” Even small improvements should be praised.

6️⃣ Reduce Triggers Avoid screens at least 1 hour before sleep Make sure he is not overtired or hungry Spend 10–15 minutes of quality time daily (no phone) This reduces emotional outbursts.

When to be concerned

Seek professional help if: Tantrums last more than 30–40 minutes Aggression (hitting, biting) Speech delay or poor eye contact Behavior worsening despite consistency Important Reminder for Parents ❤️ Tantrums are not disrespect Your calm response teaches emotional regulation Improvement usually takes 2–4 weeks of consistency

Tq

11563 answered questions
30% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

In Ayurveda, stubbornness and tantrums are signs of increased Rajas (Hyperactivity/Passion) and aggravated Vata (Restlessness) in the mind. The fact that this happens during transitions (like bedtime) confirms that his nervous system is struggling to switch off or settle down.

Medicines (Safe for Children) 1 Brahmi Ghrita: ½ teaspoon followed by warm water/milk in the morning on an empty stomach. 2 Saraswatarishta: 1 teaspoon (5ml) mixed with equal water, twice daily (after food).

External Therapy Padabhyanga (Foot Massage)- Rub Warm Sesame Oil or Ksheerabala Oil on the soles of his feet for 5 minutes right before bedtime.

Dietary & Lifestyle Rules The No-Sugar Sunset Rule: Strictly no chocolates, biscuits or sugary juices after 6:00 PM. Stop all screens (TV, Phone) 2 hours before bed. Keep dinner and bedtime at the exact same time every day

Regards Dr Gursimran Jeet Singh MD Panchakarma

1349 answered questions
29% best answers
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Accepted response

0 replies

Why children show tantrums & stubborn behavior Common reasons: Unable to express emotions (especially in small children) Seeking attention or control Over-tired, hungry, or overstimulated Inconsistent rules (sometimes allowed, sometimes scolded) Imitating adults’ behavior Developmental phase (especially age 2–6 years) 👉 Tantrums are the child’s way of saying: “I don’t know how to handle my feelings.” What NOT to do (very important) ❌ Shouting or hitting ❌ Giving in immediately to stop crying ❌ Comparing with other children ❌ Long lectures during tantrums These increase stubbornness over time. Effective solutions (step by step) 1. Stay calm first Speak slowly and softly If you lose control, the child feels unsafe Remember: calm parent = calm child 2. Set clear & consistent rules Same rule every day Both parents should follow one pattern Example: “Screen time only after homework—no exceptions” Consistency reduces tantrums. 3. Give limited choices (very powerful technique) Instead of: “Wear this dress!” Say: “Do you want the blue dress or the yellow one?” Child feels control without rebellion. 4. Ignore minor tantrums safely If child is safe and just crying for attention: Don’t react immediately Stay nearby but don’t negotiate Once calm → talk gently ⚠️ Never ignore if the child is hurting self or others. 5. Name their feelings Teach emotional language: “I see you are angry because you wanted that toy.” This helps the child feel understood, reducing intensity. 6. Praise good behavior immediately Even small things: “I’m proud of you for listening.” “Good job calming yourself.” Positive reinforcement works better than punishment. 7. Fixed daily routine Children feel secure with routine: Fixed sleep time Fixed meals Limited screen time Daily outdoor play 👉 Irregular routine = more tantrums 8. Quality time daily (15–20 minutes) No phone No teaching or scolding Just play or talk This reduces attention-seeking tantrums greatly.

13104 answered questions
35% best answers

0 replies

Hello It’s super tough when your kid goes through that stubborn phase, not listening and throwing tantrums all the time – especially for months on end. But seriously, don’t sweat it. This happens to so many parents, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing a bad job or that your kid’s a problem. We can totally fix this with the right steps.

YOUR KID, RIGHT NOW

* Stubborn for the last 3-6 months. * Tantrums often happen when you’re trying to switch things up (bedtime, stopping play, changing activities). * You’re staying calm, which is awesome!

WHY THIS IS HAPPENING

From a kid’s development point of view: This usually kicks in when: * Kids start wanting to do things their way. * They want to be in charge but don’t know how to handle big feelings yet. * Their brains can’t quite deal with feeling frustrated. * Tantrums are often just a kid’s way of saying: I don’t know how to say what I’m feeling!

From an Ayurvedic point of view:

Kids like this often have: –A Vata imbalance (makes them restless, suddenly angry, a bit all over the place). –Sometimes a Pitta imbalance (makes them cranky, stubborn). –No regular schedule (which makes everything worse). –this also has to do with their mind channels being out of whack.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO (Step-by-Step)

1. GET A ROUTINE GOING (SERIOUSLY, THIS IS #1) Kids do best when they know what’s coming. Have set times for: * Waking up * Meals * Playtime * Sleep * Bedtime needs to be the same every day. * Once the routine’s solid, the tantrums will naturally go down.

2. BE SMART ABOUT SWITCHING ACTIVITIES (This is key for your situation)

Since tantrums happen during changes:
*   Don't just suddenly pull the plug on an activity.
*   Give them warnings: Five more minutes, then it's bedtime. After this song, we're done playing.
*   You can also use: A timer, a little song, or a small routine (like a story before bed).

3. DO NOT FIGHT DURING A TANTRUM When a tantrum starts: * Stay calm (you’re already doing great here). * Don’t lecture them. * Don’t threaten them. * Don’t give in right away. * Instead: Sit close by and say, I know you’re upset. I’m right here. * Talk about it AFTER the tantrum ends. You can teach them once they’re calm, not when they’re melting down.

4. LET THEM HAVE SOME SAY (in safe ways) Help with the stubbornness by giving them choices: * Instead of: Wear this dress. * Try: Red dress or blue dress? * This lets them feel in control without making a mess.

AYURVEDIC TIPS (Super gentle and safe)

Oil Massage (Works like a charm!) * Daily head and foot massage. * Use warm Brahmi oil or coconut oil. * Especially good before bed. * It calms their nerves and helps with crankiness and tantrums.

Food Ideas * Warm, home-cooked food. * Stay away from: Too much sugar, packaged snacks, cold drinks. * Bring in more: Milk, ghee, fruits, simple meals.

WHAT TO AVOID * Yelling or calling them names (stubborn, bad). * Comparing them to other kids. * Having rules that keep changing. * Too much screen time (huge tantrum trigger!).

–Your child isn’t just stubborn. –This phase won’t last forever. –Being calm, consistent, and having a routine is the fix. –Ayurveda is all about calming the mind, not just stopping bad behavior.

You’re doing an amazing job as parents!

All the best, Dr. Snehal Vidhate

11521 answered questions
29% best answers
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.

0 replies

1.Brahmi ghrita 1/4 tsp with warm milk at bedtime 2.Saraswatrishta 5 ml with 5 ml water twice daily after meals 3.Manasmithra vatkam 1 tab once daily with water after meals

🧘 Supportive Non-Medicine Measures - Bedtime routine: Gentle oil massage (Bala Taila or sesame oil) before sleep calms vata and helps transitions. - Diet: Avoid excess sugar, fried foods, and packaged snacks. Favor warm, fresh meals with ghee. - Mind-calming practices: Storytelling, chanting simple mantras (like Om or Gayatri), or listening to soft music before bed. - Play therapy: Encourage outdoor play in the morning sun to balance energy.

11238 answered questions
28% best answers
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.

0 replies

What you are saying in your child is very common, and it does not mean the child is bad or disobedient. When tantrums start for a few months, it usually shows emotional overload, mental restlessness and lack of emotional grounding. Children face, most difficulty during transitions like bedtime because their mind remains active and they are unable to shift smoothly from one act to another even when parents speak calmly, repeated instructions can increase resistance because the child feels pressure instead of reassurance, this face needs calming of the mind and nervous system rather than strict control

Along with routine correction, Ayurvedic support will help, so you can start him on Saraswathi aristha 5ML with equal amount of water twice daily after lunch and dinner Brahmi syrup-5ML once daily at night Ashwagandhadi lehyam-1/4 th teaspoon at night

If sleep is disturbed, keep a fixed daily schedule for meals, play and sleep advance signals before transitions, reduce screen time, especially in the evening and spend 1 to 1 time daily when the child feels emotionally secure and supported with this combined approach, tantrums gradually reduced, and the child becomes more cooperative and balanced

4358 answered questions
39% best answers
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.

0 replies

Hello

This is a common problem seen in many children due to over pampering and also exposure to shows on the mobile and TV which appreciate this behaviour.

It is very important as parents that you need to be strict even if it hurts you down. One’s your child understands you are not accepting his tantrums he will surely slow down.

Along with being strict you also need to appreciate at times so that he doesn’t feel left out.

🧘‍♀️ Anulomvilom and Bhramari Pranayam will help.

❌ Donot drink tea or coffee or aerated drinks.

❌ Reduce screen time… No screen in darkness and 1 hour before you sleep. Consume audio form of data rather than visuals before you sleep. Filter the content of data consumed.

✔️ Drink a glass of buffalo milk daily before you sleep

✔️ 100 steps after both meals are must.

✔️ Eat only home cooked food… Avoid outside food, packed and processed food.

✔️ Prefer natural liquids like fruit juice, coconut water, lemon juice, kokum sharbat over packed ones.

💊 Medication: 💊

Panchendriya Vardhan Tailam 2 drops in each nostril early in the morning empty stomach.

Cap. Memorin(S.G.Phytopharma) 1 caps twice a day before food. If he cannot eat the capsule open it and mix the churna with a bit of honey.

Syp. Prasham 2 tsp at bed time with lukewarm water. Tab. Manasmitra Vatak 1 tab at bed time.

Bhrami oil head massage will help calming him down.

1006 answered questions
26% best answers
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.

0 replies

Parents need a lot of patience and calmness to be arround such children., Start with Mentat syrup 1tsp -1tsp -1tsp. After food with water, will help calm the child Brahmi churan 1/2tsp. With cow’s ghee, once daily will work as brain tonic Ashwagandha churan 0-0-1/2tsp with milk at bedtime with, will help give good sleep All these above medicine will reduce the child’s irritation and calm down. Apply Brahmi oil on scalp . Avoid nonveg food if non-vegetarian as nonveg food is very tamasic. The child should be told encouraging stories, courageous stories tha can improve self confidence and lift spirit.

12839 answered questions
31% best answers
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.

0 replies

HELLO,

In Ayurveda, mental and behavioural patterns are governed by vata, pitta and Kapha doshas, along with satva (mental strength)

MOST COMMON CAUSES -VATA IMBALANCE-> restlessness, mood swings, sudden crying, difficulty with transitions (sleep, change of routine)

-PITTA IMBALANCE->anger, stubbornness, frustration, shouting, resistance

-WEAK SATVA GUNA->low emotional regulation, poor tolerance too stress

Since tantrums occur durin traditions (like bedtime), this strongly indicates vata aggravation, sometimes mixed with pitta

DIET MANAGEMENT Diet plays a major role In calming the child’s mind

INCLUDE -warm, freshly cooked food -rice, wheat, oats -moong dal, massor dal -milk- warm boiled with a pinch of turmeric -ghee 1-2 tsp daily -steamed vegetables- carrot, pumpkin, bottle gourd -ripe banana, apple (stewed if possible)

AVOID -packaged snacks, chips, chocolates -cold fooods, ice cream, -very spicy, sour, fried food -sugary drinks -eating late at night

IMPORTANT= maintain fixed meal times. Irregular eating worsens vata and tantrums

DAILY ROUTINE- MOST IMPORTANT Children need predictability

IDEAL ROUTINE -wake up at the same time daily -fixed play, study, and sleep times -bedtime ideally before 9 pm

TRANSITION TIP (very useful for tantrums) before any transition (bedtime, stopping play) -give.a 5 min and 2 min warning -use calm voice, not commands -Example= After 5 minutes, we will go to bed. Let’s finish peacefully

This greatly reduce vata triggered resistance

OIL MASSAGE - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Daily oil massage calms the nervous system

OIL -Sesame oil (best for vata) -If pitta signs (anger, heat)-> coconut oil

METHOD -warm the oil slightly -massage gently on= scalp , soles of feet, back and joints

-Duration= 10-15 min -follow with warm bath Even foot massage alone at night can reduce bedtime tantrums

AYUREDIC REMEDIES

-BRAHMI GHRITA= 1/2 tsp with warm milk at night = improves emotional control

-SHANKHAPUSHPI SYRUP= 1/2 tsp twice daily =calms mind, reduces irritability

BEHAVIOURAL APPROACH AS PER AYURVEDA

WHAT TO DO -stay calm and emotionally neutral -acknowedge feelings “I know you are upset” -Offer limited choices= “Do you want to sleep ow or after one stop?” -maintain consistency between parents

WHAT TO AVOID -shouting or threatening -giving in during tantrums excessive screen time (highly aggravates vata-pitta) -comparing with other children

MENTAL STRENGTH THERAPYY Ayurveda emphasises training the mind gently -dail stort telling with moral values -gentle breathing before sleep -listening to calm music or mantras -parents maintaining emotional balance (children absorb parents stress)

Your child is not “too stubborn”- his nervous system is asking for balance. With routine , warm food, oil massage, calm transitions, and gentle discipline, tantrums usually reduce within 2-4 weeks

DO FOLLOW

HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL

THANK YOU

DR. MAITRI ACHARYA

12028 answered questions
28% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Latest reviews

Presley
2 days ago
Thanks a ton for this comprehensive list. Your advice about Ayurveda was such a relief! I feel more confident managing my allergies now.
Thanks a ton for this comprehensive list. Your advice about Ayurveda was such a relief! I feel more confident managing my allergies now.
John
2 days ago
Wow, thanks for the detailed plan! This really helps to have everything broken down like this. I’m relieved to have some clear steps to follow now. Super appreciated!
Wow, thanks for the detailed plan! This really helps to have everything broken down like this. I’m relieved to have some clear steps to follow now. Super appreciated!
Warren
2 days ago
Thank you so much for the advice! I’ll definitely give those a try. Really appreciate the clear suggestions, had no clue what to do before!
Thank you so much for the advice! I’ll definitely give those a try. Really appreciate the clear suggestions, had no clue what to do before!
Kayden
2 days ago
This was super helpful, thank u! The advice was clear and simple to follow. Already feeling a bit better after a few days.
This was super helpful, thank u! The advice was clear and simple to follow. Already feeling a bit better after a few days.