9 Toddler Tantrum Tricks from Around the World (That Actually Work)

From Japan to Sweden, these 9 global parenting tricks offer surprising (and effective!) ways to handle toddler tantrums. Try these calming techniques from around the world.

a little girl lying on a bed, crying and throwing a tantrum

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Think temper tantrums are inevitable? Think again! Around the globe, parents are finding ingenious ways to transform those toddler meltdowns into manageable moments. But don’t take our word for it—backed by data and shared wisdom, these tricks might just save your sanity.

Studies show tantrums are common in toddlers—over 95% of parents report at least one tantrum in kids aged 1–6, with verbal outbursts most frequent. One source also notes that 87–91% of toddlers between 1½ and 3 years have experienced tantrums.

1. The Japanese ‘Shitsuke’ Approach

a father holding his toddler child, with the child's face pressed against his chest and clutching his shirt

In Japan, the Shitsuke method focuses on quiet discipline through consistent modeling and gentle correction. You might picture a parent calmly guiding their child aside, offering a soft reminder like, “Let’s try again the right way,” instead of scolding in public. It’s about teaching through presence, not punishment.

Cultural studies show that this approach helps children develop strong self-regulation and social awareness over time. Think of it as planting seeds of responsibility—quiet now, but growing strong roots later.

2. Swedish ‘Lagom’ Balance

mother holding holding her tantruming child against her chest, calming him

Over in Sweden, balance is key. ‘Lagom’ promotes moderation—not too little, not too much. Swedish parents often schedule equal parts play and quiet time, helping children navigate emotions calmly.

3. Italian ‘Pasta Pause’

Child sitting at a table with a bowl of cereal and eating while her mother extends a hand offering a small piece of food.

Over in Italy, patience is the secret sauce. Instead of jumping in to stop every tantrum, many Italian parents let emotions run their course. It’s a calmer, more observational approach—less “fix it now” and more “let them feel it.”

Recent research from Rome found that Italian mothers most often use reasoning and listening over punishment—an approach linked to better behavior in kids (Research).

4. Indian ‘Meditative Moments’

mother holding her child in a comforting embrace on a couch

India brings the tranquility of meditation into parenting. Encouraging simple breathing exercises with toddlers helps in managing emotional outbursts.

India Today highlights how simple practices like deep breathing help kids focus better and feel less anxious. Great for calming little minds.

Delhi’s Happiness Curriculum – Launched in 2018, this school program weaves mindfulness and emotional learning into the daily routine of students from nursery to grade eight. It’s India’s way of growing happier, more self-aware kids.

5. Brazilian ‘Carnival Connection’

father carrying his child dressed in a pink dress playfully while holding her hand

In Brazil, tantrums get managed with rhythm. Parents turn to music and dance to shift their toddler’s mood—a mini Carnival in the living room!

A study on the Guri Program in São Paulo found that music education significantly reduced emotional symptoms in children aged 5–9, particularly among those from underserved communities.

Additionally, a study on musical parenting in Brazil revealed that mothers often use music to interact and bond with their infants and toddlers, indicating a cultural inclination towards using music in parenting.

6. Chinese ‘Wisdom of Art’

toddler painting with a green brush on a sheet of paper assisted by his parents

Chinese parents often navigate tantrums with creativity. Encouraging expressive drawing or painting helps toddlers channel emotions constructively.

Studies in China show that art-based activities like drawing can help kids manage emotions more calmly. One study found that expressive art boosted emotional-social skills in children with autism (PubMed).

Another highlighted how parent-child art time improves emotional expression and bonding (Study link).

7. Kenyan ‘Story Time Journey’

mother sitting on the floor while holding and reading a book with her two small kids, one sitting on her lap and the other beside her

In Kenya, storytelling is an age-old tradition used to soothe and distract. When tantrums start, Kenyan parents often dive into rich narratives that captivate young minds.

In Kenya, storytelling isn’t just tradition—it’s a powerful parenting tool. The UKRI-funded DRIVE project found that digital storytelling boosts children’s engagement and development.

Another study showed that interactive stories even influence kids’ behavior, like making healthier food choices.

8. French ‘Culinary Calm’

mother and child in a kitchen, with the mother assisting the child, who is standing on a stool and mixing ingredients in a bowl.

French parents often transform tantrum time into cooking lessons. Engaging children with small culinary tasks can turn frustration into learning.

French parenting books like Bringing Up Bébé highlight how baking with kids—like making a simple yogurt cake—teaches patience and focus through fun, structured tasks. Similarly, French Kids Eat Everything shows that involving toddlers in cooking can reduce picky eating and tantrums by making them active participants in mealtime.

9. Australian ‘Nature Nurturing’

a mother walking hand-in-hand with her child on a gravel path surrounded by lush greenery.

In Australia, as soon as a tantrum brews, the outdoors becomes a refuge. Walking amidst nature or simply playing in the backyard provides a natural decompressant.

Australian research shows that unstructured outdoor play—like exploring rocks, water, and trees—helps kids manage emotions and reduce stress.

The GROW with Nature Play program gives parents tools to encourage this kind of calming, nature-based play for toddlers aged 0–3 ([add Nature Play link]).

Embracing Global Wisdom

With these global insights, you’re not just surviving toddlerhood, you’re thriving through it. Every culture offers a unique lens to view and manage these tiny tempests.

Next time your toddler starts to wobble, reach into the global toolbox. We’ve scoured the world so you don’t have to. Consider it your passport to parental peace.