Mood swings are normal and usually only last for a few moments. Mood swings in children can be caused by many factors, for example because they are tired, stressed, or when they feel anxious. Mood swings in children because it will disappear on its own when the cause of stress in children is resolved.

However, apart from the factors mentioned above, sometimes mood swings in children can also be caused by several conditions, such as lack of nutrition, hormonal changes during growth, or certain mental disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder in children.

Mood swings that occur due to illness or mental disorders generally last a long time and must be treated by a doctor.

Mood swings are more often experienced by children who are starting to grow up to be teenagers or entering puberty. However, there are also toddlers and children who can experience mood swings. When they are experiencing mood swings, they will usually also become more irritable or have tantrums.

Of course, when dealing with children who experience mood swings, parents do not need to panic and be frustrated, let alone act rudely. Below are tips that can be done to help children overcome mood swings and control their emotions.

When your little one experiences a mood swing, approach him in a calm time, then communicate warmly while asking what problem is going on that makes him worried or emotional.

If he doesn’t want to answer, don’t force him to keep asking. It’s good for Mom and Dad to leave your little one for a moment and give him a chance to calm down.

When he feels calm, then ask again about the triggers of the mood swings he experienced. After knowing the trigger, Mom and Dad can help each other find solutions with the Little One.

Instead of letting your baby continue to complain or get emotional during a mood swing, try to divert his attention by inviting your little one to do various activities that interest him. For example, taking a walk, reading a book, watching a movie, or listening to his favorite music.

Lack of intake of certain nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, protein, and carbohydrates, can increase the risk of children experiencing mood swings. Therefore, Mom and Dad can offer snacks or healthy snacks for children, be it vegetables, fruits, yogurt, or nuts.

You should avoid giving junk food or snacks, such as cakes, ice cream, and fried foods, because these foods do not contain many of the nutrients that children need.

There are times when a child’s mood swing can be overcome when he plays with his friends. Especially for teenagers, friendship is very important to form a social circle. So, let the children play with their friends when they are in a mood swing. However, Mom and Dad still have to give a time limit, so he doesn’t play too long.

To prevent the transmission of COVID-19, Mom and Dad can also ask your little one not to meet in person with their friends, but through online or video calls.

Mood swings in children should not be ignored, especially when children are overly emotional. Therefore, Mom and Dad also need to educate and teach him how to control his emotions, for example through relaxation, meditation, or breathing exercises.

Well, those are various ways to overcome mood swings in children that you can try. Keep in mind, it is normal for children to experience mood swings when they are tired, stressed, or growing up.

However, if the child’s mood swings have appeared too often, let alone interfere with activities, achievements at school, or social life, this condition needs to be watched out for.

If your little one’s mood swings are difficult to deal with and look worrying, it’s best if Mom and Dad check with a pediatrician or child psychologist.