Preventing Breath-Holding Spells in Children

Parents may be able to help prevent some spells by seeing that their child gets plenty of rest and feels secure. Here are some ways to help your child.

• Have regular rest times for your child during the day.
• Make sure that your child gets enough good sleep at night.
• Have regular daily routines for your child.
• Keep your home atmosphere calm and set an example for your child about how to deal with feeling angry or frustrated.
• Allow your child to make some simple choices. For example, let your child choose which shirt to wear.
• Praise your child when they learn new tasks and when they do them well.
• Talk with your child about the normal frustrations of childhood. Help them understand how to deal with their emotions.
• Encourage your child to play alone. This will help your child develop a more positive self-image and can also reduce feelings of frustration.

As children learn to deal with frustration, fear, and anger, breath-holding spells happen less often.

Helping yourself and your child cope with problem behavior that causes breath-holding spells

Some breath-holding spells may be related to your child's behavior. Here are some tips to help you and your child.

• Try not to overreact to your child's negative behavior.
• Try not to overreact to breath-holding spells.
• Suggest another way for your child to express feelings of frustration, anger, or fear when your child begins a breath-holding spell. For example, remind your child to "use your words."
• Talk with your child about their behavior and their feelings after the breath-holding spell.
• Talk with your child about the normal frustrations of childhood. Help them understand how to deal with their emotions.
• Remind yourself that breath-holding spells are not hurting the child and that the child will grow out of them in time.
• Be firm, fair, and consistent when dealing with your child's emotions and behavior. Set limits and follow through with consequences.

If you struggle with any of these issues, parenting classes or counseling can sometimes be helpful.