Frustration or Temper Tantrum?

Sometimes, you will be close and enjoy sincerely the company of your student but sometimes, out of the blue, he will be moody and show a high level of frustration. Is it simply caused by frustrating situations or is it the regular temper tantrum? Let's look at the various possibilities.

• First, you should observe possible frustrating situations around the room. Did he trip? Was he trying to complete a task without asking for help and encountered some problems? Did someone made a negative comment or even made fun of him and his visual impairment?

• Second, if you are unable to identify the source of frustration, investigate by asking him a few questions using a calm and soft tone of voice. Do not accuse or blame him! Take the time to listen and try to understand his feelings by putting yourself in his shoes.

• Third, let him express himself and resume what he is saying to ensure that you understand fully the nature of his frustration.

• Fourth, evaluate out loud the situation and invite him to pinpoint the problem and identify some possible solutions. If you make him part of the solution, it might be more successful.

• Fifth, make suggestions if necessary but have him choose the final solution. Make him solve his problems as he needs to be able to face this kind of situations in the real world as there will not always be someone to bail him out.

• Sixth, ensure that he follows through with the solution. He must learn to solve problems on his own.

• Last but not least, if the previous steps do not apply, it is a temper tantrum. In this case, speak to him calmly. Let him calm down. Then discuss the inappropriateness and negative and possible consequences to such a behaviour. Encourage him to adopt some positive and appropriate behaviours that he might even suggest on his own or according to some of your suggestions.

Either way, you must help him to improve his ways to deal with difficult situations. Do not judge him! As the proverb says:" You may give a fish to a man, feeding him for a meal or you can teach a man how to fish so he will never be hungry again."